Crystallization Behavior of Polylactide Matrix Under the Influence of Nano-magnetite

Iron oxide nanoparticle ([Fe.sub.3][O.sub.4]) has gained remarkable research interest for various applications, from environmental to biological, because of its superparamagnetic properties and good biocompatibility. In this work, the nucleation effect of [Fe.sub.3][O.sub.4] in a polylactide (PLA) matrix under an influence of an alternating magnetic field was studied. The nanocomposite films that is, containing different concentrations of [Fe.sub.3][O.sub.4] (~8 nm) which were uniformly dispersed in the PLA matrix, were prepared via a solution casting method. The amplitude and frequency of the magnetic field impose great effects on the morphology and nucleation rate of PLA crystallization. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to study the thermal stability of [Fe.sub.3][O.sub.4]/ PLA and it showed that the thermal stability of [Fe.sub.3][O.sub.4]/PLA was affected by the [Fe.sub.3][O.sub.4] content. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry indicated that [Fe.sub.3][O.sub.4] shows impeding effect to the crystallization of PLA. Based on the differential scanning calorimetry results, composite with 1% of [Fe.sub.3][O.sub.4] content could promote the crystallization of PLA but it would become an obstacle when 3% of [Fe.sub.3][O.sub.4] was added. The result of polarized optical microscopy also showed a good agreement that the incorporation of [Fe.sub.3][O.sub.4] could act as an effective nucleation regent to the composite film.
INTRODUCTION In recent years, magnetic nanoparticles ([Fe.sub.3][O.sub.4], [gamma]-[Fe.sub.2][O.sub.3], Pt, Ni, Co), which are sensitive to a change of external magnetic field, have drawn much research attention. [Fe.sub.3][O.sub.4] nanoparticles possesses certain [...]