In situ preparation of magnetic nanocomposites of goethite in a styrene-maleimide copolymer template

Magnetic composites were prepared by in situ precipitation of α-FeOOH (goethite) using a new styrene-co-N-4 carboxybutylmaleimide cross-linked copolymer as template. Thermogravimetric analysis showed iron oxide content in the composites up to 45%. The iron oxide phase was identified as goethite by X-ray diffraction analysis. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the crosslinking extent of polymeric templates affected both the shape and dimension of the goethite particles, and consequently, the magnetic behavior of the polymer/iron oxide composites.