Magnetic responsive composites made from a sulfur-rich polymer

Abstract

A composite was prepared by hot-pressing a polysulfide polymer in the presence of γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles. The polymer was prepared by the direct copolymerisation of elemental sulfur and canola oil and the hot-pressing embedded the magnetic particles in the polymer. The resulting composite was used as a mercury sorbent capable of magnetic retrieval, and the magnetic particles allowed rapid microwave heating for curing into a consolidated object that could be remotely manipulated with a magnet. The multi-functional nature of the magnetic-responsive composite portends new frontiers for sulfur-rich polymers in environmental protection, recyclable materials, and magnetically activated machine components.