Magnetothermal repair of a PMMA/iron oxide magnetic nanocomposite

We report on the magnetothermal repair of a thermoplastic magnetic nanocomposite consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles embedded in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The nanoparticles responded to an applied alternating magnetic field by dissipating heat, raising the nanocomposite temperature to above the glass transition temperature and resulting in the repair of the nanocomposite. This was demonstrated by cutting the nanocomposite and subsequently joining two pieces together under the action of an alternating magnetic field. Examination by optical and transmission electron microscopy of the region where the two pieces were joined demonstrated the healing and disappearance of the interface between both pieces down to the nanoscale.