Effect of polymer adsorbed layer on magnetic particle dispersion

Experimental and theoretical investigations of dispersion properties of magnetic particles (acicular γ-Fe₂O₃ ) with an adsorbed epoxy-resin layer are presented. The adsorbed polymer amount was 20-110 mg/g and the adsorbed layer thickness was 6-22 nm, depending on the preparation conditions. Dispersion of γ-Fe ₂O₃ particles was evaluated by the sedimentation rate and surface roughness of the coated film. It was clarified that dispersion was improved with increasing adsorption, increasing solvent/epoxy-resin solubility, and decreasing γ-Fe₂O ₃ particle size. Interaction energy, consisting of magnetic attraction, van der Waals attraction, and steric repulsion of the adsorbed layer between two cylindrical magnetic particles, was calculated. The interaction energy curves, which vary with the distance between two particles, had primary minimum, maximum, and secondary minimum. The maximum energy and the secondary minimum energy were strongly related to dispersion stability. Experimental results are explained by the energy curve shapes