Preparation and characterization of magnetic amphiphilic polymer microspheres

Magnetic amphiphilic polymer microspheres were prepared by copolymerization of styrene with poly(ethylene oxide) macromonomer (MPEO) in the presence of Fe3O4 magnetic fluid in ethanol/water medium. Magnetic microsphere size, size distribution, and surface morphology were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The structure of copolymer was determined by infrared spectroscopy. With increasing MPEO used in the polymerization, the resulting microsphere size decreased. Magnetic amphiphilic polymer microspheres containing 0.02-0.2 mmol/g hydroxyl groups could be prepared by using different MPEO concentration. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.