| Electrospun Magnetic Nanofibers with Anti-Counterfeiting Applications | ||
| Carola Barrera, Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, PO Box 9046, Mayaguez, PR 00681, Juan P. Hinestroza, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 8301, Raleigh, NC 27606 and Carlos Rinaldi, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Department of Chemical Engineering, PO Box 9046, Mayaguez, PR 00680 Polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibers containing discrete magnetic domains have been produced by using a modified electrospinning apparatus. Magnetite and cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized and coated with thiolated PEO and then suspended in a 1-2 wt% PEO-in-water solution. Nanocomposite fibers with diameters as small as 200 nm were produced through electrospinning. Transmission electron microscopy was used to study particle agglomeration in the resulting nanofibers as a function of particle loading and electrospinning conditions. Magnetic measurements using a SQUID magnetometer were used to characterize the DC and AC magnetic response of the fibers. Applications to anti-counterfeiting in the textile industry by judicious combination of magnetic nanoparticles with widely different AC susceptibilities will be discussed. Extended Abstract Status: Not Uploaded | ||