Magnetite core-shell nano-composites with chlorine functionality: preparation by miniemulsion polymerization and characterization

Magnetic composite particles with a magnetic core consisting of superparamagnetic iron oxide and a cover layer of hydrophobic polyvinylbenzylchloride are described. The magnetite was prepared by precipitation starting with mixed iron II and iron III salts and coating of the solid with oleic acid. The coating is conducted via the liquid–liquid phase transfer. Thereby oleic acid adsorbed on the magnetite surface. In a second step the oleic acid treated magnetite was coated with polyvinylbenzylchloride in a miniemulsion polymerization to get a protective layer. The obtained magnetite core-shell nano-composites with chlorine functionality were characterized by different methods: particle size measurement, acid treatment, iron content, morphology and elemental profiles across the composite particles diameter. The test result reveals the binding of the iron oxide inside the composites which can be also recognize in TEM pictures.