Particles of alpha-iron of 2-10 nm size have been prepared by chemical
synthesis, stabilized and dispersed into a polymer matrix. The compos
ite was characterized using high-resolution transmission electron micr
oscopy. The optical Faraday rotation of the polymer composite, measure
d at 633 nm, was approximately 1.2 degrees T-1. The Verdet constant me
asured by the Faraday rotation of the polymer composite at 633 nm is 0
.36 min Oe(-1) cm(-1).