Preparation and characterization of magnetite-PDMS composites by magnetic induction heating

Magnetic induction heating was used to produce magnetite-Poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) composites in the presence of the magnetite nanoparticles. Magnetite nanoparticles under an AC magnetic field generate heat, which used to accelerate polymerization and curing of PDMS. Magnetite nanoparticles were prepared using co-precipitation process in the presence of the basic solution. Magnetite nanoparticle was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), zeta potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Magnetite-PDMS composite morphology was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, while curing and thermal stability were assessed through infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. Heating properties and rate of heating of magnetite nanoparticles and magnetite-PDMS composites were studied as a function of time applied and magnetite content (20% and 30%). The improved thermal stability of magnetite-PDMS composite, which produced in a shorter time without using catalyst, compared with the conventional PDMS will offer potential as thermally stable elastomers.