Preparation of magnetic PET fabric loaded with Fe3O4 nanoparticles by hydrothermal method

A layer of magnetite nanoparticles are synthesized and simultaneously coated on the surface of the PET fabric using ferrous sulfate as the precursor, sodium hydroxide as the precipitant, and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate as the dispersant at controlled pH during hydrothermal treatment. The magnetite-coated PET fabric is then modified with silane coupling agent A-151. The as-obtained fabric and nanoparticles are systematically studied by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The tensile properties and resistance to washing are also examined. The obtained results indicate that magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles with diameters around 50 nm are grafted onto the PET fabric and modified with silane coupling agent A-151 via the C–Fe, O–Fe, and Si–O–Fe bonds. After treatment, the thermal stability and tensile properties of the Fe₃O₄-coated PET fabric change, but not too much. The capabilities of magnetic response and durable washing are also obtained.