Preparation and characterization of magnetic amphiphilic polymer microspheres

Magnetic amphiphilic polymer microspheres were prepared by copolymerization of styrene with poly(ethylene oxide) macromonomer (MPEO) in the presence o f Fe3O4 magnetic fluid in ethanol/water medium. Magnetic microsphere size, size distribution, and surface morphology were characterized by scanning el ectron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The structure of copolymer was determined by infrared spectroscopy. With increasing MPEO us ed in the polymerization, the resulting microsphere size decreased. Magneti c amphiphilic polymer microspheres containing 0.02-0.2 mmol/g hydroxyl grou ps could be prepared by using different MPEO concentration. (C) 2001 John W iley & Sons, Inc.