Nanoenergetic Composites of CuO Nanorods,Nanowires, and Al‐Nanoparticles

This paper reports on the synthesis of the nanoenergetic composites containing CuO nanorods and nanowires, and Al‐nanoparticles. Nanorods and nanowires were synthesized using poly(ethylene glycol) templating method and combined with Al‐nanoparticles using ultrasonic mixing and self‐assembly methods. Poly(4‐vinylpyridine) was used for the self‐assembly of Al‐nanoparticles around the nanorods. At the optimized values of equivalence ratio, sonication time, and Al‐particle size, the combustion wave speed of 1650 m s⁻¹ was obtained for the nanorods‐based energetics. For the composite of nanowires and Al‐nanoparticles the speed was increased to 1900 m s⁻¹. The maximum combustion wave speed of 2400 m s⁻¹ was achieved for the self‐assembled composite, which is the highest known so far among the nanoenergetic materials. It is possible that in the self‐assembled composites, the interfacial contact between the oxidizer and fuel is higher and resistance to overall diffusional process is lower, thus enhancing the performance.     

Infrared Signature of Novel Super-Thermite (Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/Mg) Fluorocarbon Nanocomposite for Effective Countermeasures of Infrared Seekers

Infrared (IR) guided missiles are real threat; they caused 90% of aircraft damage. Fluorocarbon polymer nanocomposite based on super-thermites can offer superior thermal signature to countermeasure IR guided missile seekers. This study reports on the sustainable fabrication of mono-dispersed colloidal Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles with 3 nm average particle size. Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles were dispersed in acetone for subsequent integration in fluorocarbon polymer. The impact of Fe₂O₃ content on thermal signature was evaluated using (FT-MIR 2–6 μm) spectrophotometer. Nanocomposite polymer with 8 wt% Fe₂O₃ offered an increase in the average intensity of α (2–3 μm) and β (4–5 μm) bands by 50 and 85% respectively to that of reference formulation. Quantification of stimulated emitting species in the combustion flame was conducted using ICT thermodynamic code. The developed nanothermite particles extended the primary reaction zone by 183%. Full discussions about combustion zones with associated exothermic chemical reactions have been represented.     

Combustion Characteristics of Silicon‐Based Nanoenergetic Formulations with Reduced Electrostatic Discharge Sensitivity

This paper details the synthesis and combustion characteristics of silicon‐based nanoenergetic formulations. Silicon nanostructured powder (with a wide variety of morphologies such as nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanotubes) were produced by DC plasma arc discharge route. These nanostructures were passivated with oxygen and hydrogen post‐synthesis. Their structural, morphological, and vibrational properties were investigated using X‐ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption‐desorption analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy. The silicon nanostructured powder (fuel) was mixed with varying amounts of sodium perchlorate (NaClO₄) nanoparticles (oxidizer) to form nanoenergetic mixtures. The NaClO₄ nanoparticles with a size distribution in the range of 5–40 nm were prepared using surfactant in a mixed solvent system. The combustion characteristics, namely (i) the combustion wave speed and (ii) the pressure‐time characteristics, were measured. The observed correlation between the basic material properties and the measured combustion characteristics is presented. These silicon‐based nanoenergetic formulations exhibit reduced sensitivity to electrostatic discharge (ESD).     

High‐Energy Pollen‐Like Porous Fe2O3/Al Thermite: Synthesis and Properties

A pollen‐like porous Fe₂O₃/Al thermite was prepared by a templated method, with aluminium nanoparticles (Al‐NPs) embedded in the porous channels. The thermite prepared by reduced pressure released the largest exothermic heat during DSC testing period compared with Fe₂O₃/Al thermites prepared by ultrasonic mixing and physical mixing. The exothermic heats in the range of 773 K to 1273 K are 3742.3 J g⁻¹, 2279.0 J g⁻¹, 1981.1 J g⁻¹, and 2621.0 J g⁻¹ for pollen‐like Fe₂O₃/Al by reduced pressure, pollen‐like Fe₂O₃/Al by ultrasonic mixing, pollen‐like Fe₂O₃/Al by physical mixing, and commercial Fe₂O₃/Al by ultrasonic mixing, respectively. The reactivity between Fe₂O₃ and Al‐NPs was efficiently improved, corresponding to its enlarged contact surface area between Al‐NPs and the porous pollen‐like Fe₂O₃, and the reduced pre‐combustion sintering. Furthermore, pollen‐like Fe₂O₃/Al has good compatibility with both RDX and HMX and it is not compatible with Cl‐20 and GAP.     

Fabrication,characterization, and properties of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/magnetite nanocomposites

Poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA)/magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanocomposite was prepared with different loading of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The mixing and compounding were carried out on a two‐roll mixing mill and the sheets were prepared in a compression‐molding machine. The effect of loading of nanoparticles in EVA was investigated thoroughly by different characterization technique such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI), and technological properties. TEM analysis showed the uniform dispersion of filler in the polymer matrix and the dispersion of filler decreased with increase in filler content. XRD of the nanocomposite revealed the more ordered structure of the polymer chain. An appreciable increase in glass transition temperature was observed owing to the restricted mobility of Fe₃O₄‐filled EVA nanocomposite. TGA and flame resistance studies indicated that the composites attain better thermal and flame resistance than EVA owing to the interaction of filler and polymer segments. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tear resistance, and modulus were increased for composites up to 7 phr of filler, which is presumably owing to aggregation of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle at higher loading. The presence of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in the polymer matrix reduced the elongation at break and impact strength while improved hardness of the composite than unfilled EVA. The change in technological properties had been correlated with the variation of polymer–filler interaction estimated from the swelling behavior. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40116.     

Graphene/acid assisted facile synthesis of structure-tuned Fe3O4 and graphene composites as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Structure-tuned Fe₃O₄ and graphene composites were prepared using a facile graphene/acid assisted facile one-pot hydrothermal method. The structural characteristics of Fe₃O₄ can be tuned by adjusting the initial molar ratio between iron acetylacetonate and citric acid. The citric acid serves dual function as a reducing agent during the production of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs), and as a bridging agent which under optimized conditions can result in mesoporous Fe₃O₄ nanospheres (NSs) self-assembled by numerous Fe₃O₄ NPs. The fabricated mesoporous Fe₃O₄ NSs and graphene composites were evaluated as potential anode materials for lithium ion batteries. These composites exhibit better electrochemical performance with high reversible capacity, good rate capability and cyclic stability derived from their unique mesoporous structural features.     

Phosphorus‐Based Nanothermites: A New Generation of Pyrotechnics Illustrated by the Example of n‐CuO/Red P Mixtures

The use of aluminium nanoparticles (e.g. Al 50P) with various metallic oxides to prepare superthermites was reported in numerous recent papers. These compositions have exceptional energetic performances, but their fabrication cannot be scaled up due to the difficulty in producing or supplying aluminium nanopowders. The use of red phosphorus as an alternative reducing agent in nanothermite compositions was found to be very promising. Surprisingly, although this substance is a component of many explosive compositions, it was never tested with metallic oxide nanoparticles. In a preliminarily study, the reactivity of different metallic oxides with red phosphorus was screened. These tests led to classify the oxides according to their combustion potential, by ascending order: NiO<Fe₂O₃ CuO PbO₂. The CuO/P mixture possesses an impressive reactivity, and its combustion residues are less hazardous than those formed with PbO₂ insofar as lead derivatives are generally more toxic than their copper counterparts. CuO‐based P‐nanothermites were prepared by physically mixing copper(II) oxide nanoparticles with micrometre‐sized red phosphorus particles. The phosphorus content was varied from 16 to 50 wt.‐% in order to investigate the effect of the mass ratio on the reactivity of CuO/P materials. The impact sensitivity of CuO/P nanothermites is moderate (27–39 J), but their friction (<5–8 J) and electrostatic discharge sensitivities (<0.12–0.21 mJ) are extremely high. The combustion of P‐nanothermites (P‐NT) gives droplets of molten copper with a typical fractal structure after cooling down.     

Novel electrically conductive and ferromagnetic composites of poly(aniline‐co‐aminonaphthalenesulfonic acid) with iron oxide nanoparticles: Synthesis and characterization

Nanocomposites of iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) with a sulfonated polyaniline, poly(aniline‐co‐aminonaphthalenesulfonic acid) [SPAN(ANSA)], were synthesized through chemical oxidative copolymerization of aniline and 5‐amino‐2‐naphthalenesulfonic acid/1‐amino‐5‐naphthalenesulfonic acid in the presence of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The nanocomposites [Fe₃O₄/SPAN(ANSA)‐NCs] were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, UV–visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), superconductor quantum interference device (SQUID), and electrical conductivity measurements. The TEM images reveal that nanocrystalline Fe₃O₄ particles were homogeneously incorporated within the polymer matrix with the sizes in the range of 10–15 nm. XRD pattern reveals that pure Fe₃O₄ particles are having spinel structure, and nanocomposites are more crystalline in comparison to pristine polymers. Differential thermogravimetric (DTG) curves obtained through TGA informs that polymer chains in the composites have better thermal stability than that of the pristine copolymers. FTIR spectra provide information on the structure of the composites. The conductivity of the nanocomposites (～ 0.5 S cm^?1) is higher than that of pristine PANI (～ 10^?3 S cm^?1). The charge transport behavior of the composites is explained through temperature difference of conductivity. The temperature dependence of conductivity fits with the quasi‐1D variable range hopping (quasi‐1D VRH) model. SQUID analysis reveals that the composites show ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. The maximum saturation magnetization of the composite is 9.7 emu g^?1. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007     

Chemical synthesis,characterization, and direct‐current conductivity studies of polypyrrole/γ‐Fe2O3 composites

The in situ polymerization of pyrrole was carried out in the presence of γ‐Fe₂O₃ to synthesize polypyrrole/γ‐Fe₂O₃ composites by a chemical oxidation method. The polypyrrole/γ‐Fe₂O₃ composites were synthesized with various compositions, including 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt % γ‐Fe₂O₃ in pyrrole. The polypyrrole/γ‐Fe₂O₃ composites were characterized with X‐ray diffractometry and infrared spectroscopy. The surface morphology of these composites was studied with scanning electron microscopy. The direct‐current conductivity was studied from 40 to 200°C. The dimensions of the γ‐Fe₂O₃ particles in the matrix had a greater influence on the conductivity values. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2797–2801, 2007     

Crystallinity,conductivity, and magnetic properties of PVDF‐Fe3O4 composite films

The formation of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles by hydrothermal process has been studied. X‐ray Diffraction measurements were carried out to distinguish between the phases formed during the synthesis. Using the synthesized Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, poly(vinyledene fluoride)‐Fe₃O₄ composite films were prepared by spin coating method. Scanning electron microscopy of the composite films showed the presence of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in the form of aggregates on the surface and inside of the porous polymer matrix. Differential Scanning calorimetry revealed that the crystallinity of PVDF decreased with the addition of Fe₃O₄. The conductitivity of the composite films was strongly influenced by the Fe₃O₄ content; conductivity increased with increase in Fe₃O₄ content. Vibration sample magnetometry results revealed the ferromagnetic behavior of the synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles with a Ms value of 74.50 emu/g. Also the presence of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles rendered the composite films magnetic. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Effect of Solids Loading on Resonant Mixed Al‐Bi2O3 Nanothermite Powders

Sensitive nanoenergetic powders, such as nanothermites, have traditionally been processed by ultrasonic mixing of very low solids loaded suspensions in organic solvents, which has restricted their use and application due to high solvent content and associated handling issues. In this work, we report on the performance and mixing quality of nanothermite mixtures prepared in a LabRAM resonant mixer at high solids loadings as compared to ultrasonic mixing. Specifically, the aluminum‐bismuth(III) oxide (Al/Bi₂O₃) system processed in the polar solvent N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) was investigated. It was found that the performance and overall quality of mixing was strongly correlated to the volumetric solids loading during processing; increasing volumetric solids loading decreases separation of particles, leading to more particle interaction and more intimate mixing. The measured performance of this system processed at 30 vol‐% was similar to traditionally ultrasonicated mixtures. Increasing the solids loading above 30 vol‐% yielded diminishing returns in performance and may introduce additional safety concerns since dry powders are very sensitive to electrostatic discharge. This mixing approach uses significantly less solvent than traditional ultrasonic mixing, results in a higher density final material, and is amenable to scaling. In addition, solvent wetted nanothermite mixed at 30 vol‐% solids loading can be mixed and deposited from a single applicator and was observed to be over five orders of magnitude less sensitive to electrostatic discharge than dry powders. This relative insensitivity enables the safe deposition of high density nanothermite ink onto devices.     

Study of Some Low Temperature Gas‐Generating Compositions

Some low temperature gas‐generating compositions, comprised of guanidine nitrate (GN), basic cupric nitrate (BCN), and ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃), were studied herein. The thermal decomposition properties and burning characteristics of GN/BCN/Fe₂O₃ mixtures were investigated by thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC), burning temperature measurements, automatic calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). This study showed that the maximum burning temperature of GN/BCN/Fe₂O₃ mixture (613 °C) was 31 % lower than that of GN/BCN mixture and the corresponding heat of combustion (2647 J g⁻¹) decreased by 15 %. When the GN/BCN/Fe₂O₃ mixtures were burning, Fe₂O₃ did not directly react with GN but with Cu (or CuO), which was produced by reaction between GN and BCN. The combustion process of GN/BCN/Fe₂O₃ grains could be divided into four stages: pre‐heated, condensed, combustion, and cooling.     

Preparation of highly functionalized thermoresponsive composites containing TiO2/Fe3O4 nanoparticles

Highly functionalized thermoresponsive composites in which two kinds of functional inorganic particles and thermoresponsive polymer work concertedly were prepared. In this study, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) and calcium alginate were used as the thermoresponsive polymer and structure support polymer, respectively. TiO₂ and Fe₃O₄ were used as functional inorganic nanoparticles. The thermoresponsive functional composites were prepared using a single‐tube nozzle by modifying the simple process to prepare microcapsules reported in our previous study. The experimental results showed that the TiO₂/Fe₃O₄‐embedded thermoresponsive composites were successfully obtained. The resulting composites exhibited thermoresponsive volume change and photocatalytic activity. Localized heating of the thermoresponsive bead containing Fe₃O₄ was also achieved by applying an alternating current (AC) magnetic field on the bead. Because of the localized heating property, repeated shrinking‐swelling movement (i.e., pumping movement) of the composite was achieved by applying an AC magnetic field intermittently. Finally, based on the experimental results, the effect of the promoted mass transfer of the substrate and product due to thermoresponsive pumping on the enhancement of the apparent photocatalytic activity was simulated. The results showed the effectiveness of thermoresponsive pumping in improving the apparent photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ nanoparticles embedded in the composite gel. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2293–2300, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Nanothermite/RDX‐Based Miniature Device for Impact Ignition of High Explosives

A miniature rocket device integrating nanothermite and RDX is presented for shock initiation of high explosive application. This Ø 2.5 mm device consists in several assembled and screwed parts: a pyroMEMS chip with a Al/CuO multilayers on it to ignite within less than 100 μs a few milligrams of nanothermite, which reacts violently and ignites within 150 μs a RDX charge compacted in the closed combustion chamber. The gases generated by the RDX combustion rapidly expand, cut and propel a Ø 2.5 mm by 1 mm thick stainless steel flyer in the barrel. After the presentation of the rocket design, fabrication and assembly, by measuring the pressure‐time evolution in the chamber we demonstrate the advantage to ignite the RDX with Al/Bi₂O₃ nanothermite to optimize the pressure impulse. We show that the stainless steel flyer of 40 mg is properly cut and propelled at velocities calculated from 665 to 1083 m s⁻¹ as a function of the RDX extent of compaction and ignition charge. As expected, the average flyer velocity increases with the mass of loaded RDX and flyer's shear thickness. We finally prove that the impact of the flyer can initiate directly in detonation a RDX explosive, which is very promising to remove primary explosives in detonator.     

Characterization of stabilized porous magnetite core–shell nanogel composites based on crosslinked acrylamide/sodium acrylate copolymers

Stabilized and dispersed superparamagnetic porous nanogels based on sodium acrylate (AA‐Na) and acrylamide (AM) in a surfactant‐free aqueous system were synthesized via solution polymerization at room temperature. The formation of magnetite nanoparticles was confirmed and their properties characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Extensive characterization of the magnetic polymer particles using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements revealed that Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were incorporated into the shells of poly(AM/AA‐Na). The average particle size was 5–8 nm as determined from TEM. AM/AA‐Na nanoparticles with a diameter of about 11 nm were effectively assembled onto the negatively charged surface of the as‐synthesized Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles via electrostatic interaction. Crosslinked magnetite nanocomposites were prepared by in situ development of surface‐modified magnetite nanoparticles in an AM/AA‐Na hydrogel. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the surface morphology of the prepared composites. The morphology, phase composition and crystallinity of the prepared nanocomposites were characterized. Atomic force microscopy and argon adsorption–desorption measurements of Fe₃O₄.AM/AA indicated that the architecture of the polymer network can be a hollow porous sphere or a solid phase, depending on the AA‐Na content. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Lattice Expansion in Metal Oxide Nanoparticles: MgO,Co3O4, & Fe3O4

Uniform sets of mono‐crystalline nanoparticles ranging from 6 nm to over 100 nm were prepared for the MgO, Co₃O₄, and Fe₃O₄ oxide systems. The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x‐ray diffraction (XRD). A careful analysis shows increased lattice parameter for smaller nanoparticles of each oxide system: 0.47% expansion from bulk for 7 nm MgO crystallites, 0.15% expansion from bulk for 9 nm Co₃O₄ crystallites, and 0.13% expansion from bulk for 6 nm Fe₃O₄ crystallites. The compressive surface stresses and expansion energies against hydrostatic pressure for each oxide system were calculated, respectively, to be 4.13 N/m and 1.8 meV/formula unit for MgO, 3.09 N/m and 0.87 meV/formula unit for Co₃O₄, and 1.26 N/m and 0.67 meV/formula unit for Fe₃O₄. The fundamental understanding of oxide nanoparticle mechanics as presented here will facilitate integration of these materials into technological applications in a rationally designed manner.     

Fabrication of Fe3O4/PLLA composites for use in bone tissue engineering

The aim of this study was to incorporate nanoscale Fe₃O₄ particles into a poly‐l ‐lactide (PLLA) matrix to fabricate a magnetic and biodegradable composite. The physical and osteogenic functions of this material were tested. Injection molding was used to fabricate four nano‐Fe₃O₄/PLLA composites with Fe₃O₄ mix ratios of 0%, 20%, 30%, and 40% (w/w). X‐ray diffraction and hysteresis loop tests were performed to evaluate the physical properties of the nano‐Fe₃O₄/PLLA composites. Tensile strength tests showed that the progressive addition of nano‐Fe₃O₄ particles to the PLLA matrix results in higher elastic modulus and lower tensile strength. Images from scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that osteoblasts cultured on the 20% nano‐Fe₃O₄/PLLA surface exhibited abundant filaments, which are a morphologic characteristic of osteoblastic differentiation. These results suggest that the 20% nano‐Fe₃O₄/PLLA composite used in this study has the potential for future tissue engineering applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2881–2888, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Statistical Optimization of the Biodiesel Production Process Using a Magnetic Core‐Mesoporous Shell KOH/Fe3O4@γ‐Al2O3 Nanocatalyst

A magnetic core‐mesoporous shell KOH/Fe₃O₄@γ‐Al₂O₃ nanocatalyst was synthesized using the Fe₃O₄@γ‐Al₂O₃ core‐shell structure as support and KOH as active component. The prepared samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) techniques. Transesterification of canola oil to methyl esters (biodiesel) in the presence of the magnetic core‐mesoporous shell KOH/Fe₃O₄@γ‐Al₂O₃ nanocatalyst was investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box‐Behnken design (BBD) was employed to optimize the influence of important operating variables on the yield of biodiesel. A biodiesel yield of 97.4 % was achieved under optimum reaction conditions. There was an excellent agreement between experimental and predicted results.     

Polypyrrole material for the electrostatic discharge sensitivity mitigation of Al/SnO2 energetic composites

Nanothermites are composite energetic materials made of fuel and oxidizer nanoparticles characterized by impressive exothermic reactions (highly flame temperatures and impressive heat combustion releases). However, nanothermites suffer from their high electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitivity that may be at the origin of accidental ignitions during handling. The present study deals with the use of doped-polypyrrole conducting polymer in aluminum/tin (IV) oxide energetic formulation (Al/SnO₂). X-ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, conductivity measurements, sensitivities and combustion tests were implemented to characterize the polypyrrole-doped Al/SnO₂ energetic composite. The results revealed a significant gradual ESD desensitization of the nanothermite (<0.14 mJ to 246.40 mJ) as a function of the doped-polypyrrole amount (0 to 15 wt%). The reactive properties of the polypyrrole-enriched Al/SnO₂ nanothermite were verified and an acceptable reactive behavior was claimed. The successful adding of doped-polypyrrole conducting polymer within energetic nanocomposites is reported for the first time.     

Magnetic Fe3O4@ polydopamine biopolymer: Synthesis,characterization and fabrication of promising nanocomposite

In this work, Functional Fe₃O₄@ polydopamine nanocomposite (Fe₃O₄@PDA) with magnetic response and special surface area were successfully assembled utilizing the strong coordination interactions between these two versatile materials. The morphology and size, crystal structure, specific saturation magnetization, chemical structure, and thermal properties were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), vibration magnetometer (VSM), point of zero charge (pH_pzc), Fourier infrared (FT‐IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The self‐polymerization of dopamine could be completed within 3 days, and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were embedded into PDA polymer. TGA results showed that PDA content of nanocomposite can be up to 51.7 wt% and also showed a significant decrease in the decomposition temperature of PDA from 530 to 270°C in the presence of the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. Through TGA analysis the coating thickness was estimated to be about 0.86 nm that it is well coincident with the measured values using TEM images and XRD analysis. At room temperature by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Fe₃O₄ and Fe₃O₄@PDA exhibit superparamagnetic behavior with a saturation moment of 57.87 and 44.7 emu/g, respectively. Furthermore, PZC value reduced for Fe₃O₄@PDA compared with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and fell from 6.7 to 3.04. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:41–47, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers