Room‐Temperature, Strain‐Tunable Orientation of Magnetization in a Hybrid Ferromagnetic Co Nanorod–Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Nanocomposite

Abstract

Hybrid nanocomposites based on magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in liquid crystalline elastomers are fascinating emerging materials. Their expected strong magneto-elastic coupling may open new applications as actuators, magnetic switches, and for reversible storage of magnetic information. We report here the synthesis of a novel hybrid ferromagnetic liquid crystalline elastomer. In this material, highly anisotropic Co nanorods are aligned through a cross-linking process performed in the presence of an external magnetic field. We obtain a highly anisotropic magnetic material which exhibits remarkable magneto-elastic coupling. The nanorod alignment can be switched at will at room temperature by weak mechanical stress, leading to a change of more than 50 % of the remnant magnetization ratio and of the coercive field.

Effect of γ-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles on the Cross-Linking and Final Properties of PVA/Citric Acid-Based Nanocomposites

“…Organic–inorganic magnetic nanocomposites based on a polymeric matrix constitute an interesting research area due to its applicability in optics, water treatment, magnetic memory devices, biomedicine, and catalysts, among others. − Different synthetic or bio-based polymeric matrices have been used for preparing magnetic nanocomposites with different properties. In this way, Rafiee and Panji used poly­(amide-imide) as a polymeric matrix due to its thermomechanical properties, good dimensional stability, and excellent creep, chemical, and solvent resistance.…”