NANODISPERSED COBALT PARTICLES IN A THERMOLYSED POLY(ACRYLONITRILE) MATRIX

The formation of nanodispersed (D approximate to 10 nm) beta-Co partic les in a polymeric matrix is demonstrated, by thermolysing films of po ly(acrylonitrile) containing homogeneously distributed [Co(dimethylfor mamide)(6)(2+)][Co(CO)(4)(-)](2). Super-paramagnetic behaviour is evid ent in these particles as determined by ferromagnetic resonance. Small -angle X-ray scattering is used to quantify the average particle size. The size of the Co particles can be controlled either by varying the thermolysis conditions or the loading of Co in the films prior to ther molysis.