Production of magnetic nanoparticles in imine polymer matrixes

Nanocomposites showing superparamagnetic properties have been synthesized f rom imine polymers. The method for the production of the nanocomposites is very simple. The imine polymer reacts with a metal salt and the product is dried. Apparently, the reaction of polymer grains with a metal solution tak es place by a surface reaction mechanism. Metal hydroxides precipitate with in the polymer matrix without addition of a base or of an oxidizer since th e polymer imine groups provide a basic medium. The metal oxides are formed through hydrolysis of the metal hydroxides when drying. The method works th e best for imine polymers with a flexible chain and no hydrophobic branches . Several iron and cobalt salts, as well as a manganese salt, have been use d in the procedure. The effect of the solvent and of the metal salt counter ion on the procedure has been studied.