Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles as Multifunctional Cross-Linkers in PAAm Ferrohydrogels

Ferrohydrogels are synthesized by incorporation of magnetic CoFe2O4 nanoparticles into a polyacylamide hydrogel network during the polymerization process by utilizing different cross-linking units. Conventional cross-linked ferrohydrogels, using a molecular cross-linker, are compared to those obtained by our new approach where the magnetic particles, surface-functionalized with methacylic groups, serve as sole, multifunctional cross-linkers. Both experimental series are analyzed with regard to their swelling behavior. The novel composite network is examined with respect to the cross-linkage, the network homogeneity, and the network architecture by various experimental techniques.