Coagulation and stabilization of sterically functionalized magnetite nanoparticles in an organic solvent with different technical polymers

► Thermo gravimetric analyses can quantify the content of primary particles. ► PVB adsorbs and stabilizes magnetite nanoparticle dispersions in organic solvents. ► PC has a stronger destabilization effect compared to PMMA for same coil sizes. ► Primary particle concentration decreases with increasing polymer concentration. ► Extinction and DLS analyses reveal formation of larger structures by PVB adsorption.