Silk Fibroin Based Magnetic Nanocomposites for Actuator Applications. Issue 6 (13th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reizabal, Ander; Costa, Carlos M.; Pereira, Nelson; Pérez-Álvarez, Leyre; Vilas-Vilela, Jose-Luis; Lanceros-Méndez, Senentxu
• Is Part Of: Advanced engineering materials. Volume 22:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-03-13
• Subjects: magnetic actuators -- magnetic nanoparticles -- nanocomposites -- silk fibroin -- smart and multifunctional materials; Materials -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adem.202000111
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1438-1656

Abstract

Abstract : The need for technologies based environmentally friendlier materials, able to minimize the global dependence on fossil fuel derivatives, promotes the development of new hybrid materials based on natural polymers, such as silk derivatives. This work reports on a new generation of magnetically active materials based on silk fibroin (SF) from Bombyx mori silkworm. Magnetic cobalt ferrite (CFO) nanoparticles are introduced in an SF polymer matrix to develop CFO/SF nanocomposites with filler contents of up to 20 wt%. It is shown that the inclusion of CFO nanoparticles affects the β‐sheet conformation of SF polymer having relevant effect on mechanical and thermal properties. The incorporation of conductive nanoparticles into nonconductive matrix, induces an increase in electric conductivity and also in dielectric constant. The primitive magnetic behavior of CFO nanoparticles is successfully maintained after their incorporation into SF, which has made possible the processing of magnetic SF. These results enable the design and fabrication of a fully functional magnetic actuator based on SF, proving the suitable natural polymer‐based magnetic materials for a new generation of environmental‐friendlier smart and multifunctional materials. Abstract : To minimize the environmental impact of technology and reduce the actual dependence on fossil fuels, herein, magnetic nanocomposites based on silk fibroin (SF) polymer with magnetic CoFe2 O4 (CFO) nanoparticles are reported on. Together with the discussion of the physicochemical aspects of the composite, the suitability of the materials for electronic applications is demonstrated though the development of a magnetic actuator.