A new approach to modification of polyelectrolyte capsule shells by magnetite nanoparticles

Abstract

A new method for modifying polyelectrolyte capsule shells by magnetic nanoparticles is proposed: the in situ synthesis of magnetite by chemical condensation. The capsule cores were spherical calcium carbonate microparticles, while polymer shells were prepared using the layer-by-layer electrostatic adsorption of polyallylamine and polystyrene sulfonate. After in situ synthesis, nanoparticles of different shapes are formed on the capsule shell; the main crystalline phase of nanoparticles is magnetite. The thus obtained nanocomposite capsules are highly sensitive to external magnetic fields.