| Abstract: | The present invention is directed to the syntheses of superparamagnetic
nanoparticles and the incorporation of the nanoparticles as the magnetic
component to form a strongly magnetic nanocomposite. The
superparamagnetic nanoparticles possess no hysteresis and are too small
to support eddy currents. The invention uses a ligand exchange procedure
to produce aminated nanoparticles that are then cross-linked using epoxy
chemistry. The result is a magnetic nanoparticle component that is
covalently linked and well separated. By using this `matrix-free`
approach, it is possible to substantially increase the magnetic
nanoparticle fraction, while still maintaining good separation, leading
to a superparamagnetic nanocomposite with strong magnetic properties and
low magnetic losses. |