Magnetic Anisotropy Control Through Mechanical Deformations: Study of Magnetoelastic Coupling

The present work aims to study the magnetoelastic coupling between Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) in order to control the magnetic anisotropy of flexible nanocomposites through their deformation. In this sense, firstly, Fe₃O₄ NPs were synthesized using the solvothermal methodology as described by Zu et al. [1] and fully characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer. The results of PXRD and TEM pointed out a nanoprism morphology with a spinel structure. No secondary phases were found, which evidences no oxidation of the Fe₃O₄ NPs. The VSM measurements displayed superparamagnetic NPs at room temperature. Afterward, the flexible nanocomposites were prepared using the characterized NPs and Mold Max™ 14NV silicone rubber. Up to date, the flexible nanocomposites were characterized by atomic force microscopy and a smooth surface with no Fe₃O₄ NPs aggregates was observed. Finally, tension measurements will be performed under a magnetic field by using the NanoRack Sample stretching stage, coupled with Jupiter AFM equipment.