Preparation and characterization of polymer metal composite microspheres

This paper describes the preparation of polymeric network composites based on magnetic microbeads containing iron particles obtained by suspension polymerization of styrene (STY), 2-hydroxyethylacrylate (HEA) and methylmethacrylate (MMA) and divinylbenzene (DVB). The iron content was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry and a value was attained of 17% Fe (wt/wt) anchored on a polymeric matrix. The morphology of the composites was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The morphological control of the composite particles also depended on the polymerization conditions. All the spherical beads presented dispersed and agglomerated iron particles located on their surface and inner part as well. Magnetization data of the microbeads showed good ferromagnetic behavior.