Hexagonal-shaped aminosilane magnetite nanoparticles: Preparation, characterization and hybrid film deposition

Hexagonal amino-functionalized magnetite nanoparticles were successfully produced by two-step method: initially, bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles were obtained by partial oxidation of ferrous ions in alkaline conditions, followed by hydroxyl groups interchanging with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) moieties. The products were evaluated for possible water repellent applications. Hybrid ternary films were prepared by spray coating in a layer-by-layer configuration: the hybrid polymeric matrix first, followed by modified iron oxide nanoparticle dispersion, both mixed with the third component, pre-hydrolyzed/precondensed sol-gel solution of hex-adecyltrimethoxy silane (HSi). The found results demonstrate the ability of the hexagonal amino-functionalized magnetite nanoparticles to self-assembly and generate hierarchical roughness.