Generation of nanocomposites based on (PMMA-b-PCL)-grafted Fe2O3 nanoparticles and PS-b-PCL block copolymer

•Successful grafting of PMMA-b-PCL to Fe2O3 nanoparticles.•Good dispersion of modified nanoparticles into PS-b-PCL copolymer.•Copolymer-nanoparticle compatibility increased by grafting process.•Nanostructure of PS-b-PCL copolymer is not altered by nanoparticles.

The aim of this work is to obtain a good dispersion of Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles into a PS-b-PCL diblock copolymer. For this purpose nanoparticles have been modified in their surface by grafting a PMMA-b-PCL block copolymer into their surface, after being silanized. The grafting process has been probed by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Once modified, nanoparticles have been dispersed into the block copolymer. Nanostructured lamellar morphology of the block copolymer after annealing process has not been affected by the presence of nanoparticles, as has been probed by atomic force microscopy. Furthermore, their dispersion into the matrix has been improved when compared with unmodified nanoparticles. Though during modification process small aggregates of nanoparticles surrounded by PMMA-b-PCL brushes have been formed, morphology has not been altered or disrupted. Modified nanoparticles have been mostly placed at the interfaces among PS and PCL domains.

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