Elastomagnetic NI-PDMS nanofibers via coaxial electrospinning

Electrospun nanofibres were prepared starting from a dispersion of Nickel magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and Tetrahydrofurane (THF). Coaxial electrospinning was used to realize a temporary structure which wraps PDMS fibers into a thin shell of PolyvynilPir-ollidone (PVP), in which the crosslinking reaction of the inner fiber core is completed. After the removal of the PVP shell, the fiber skeins exhibit remarkable elastomagnetic deflection induced by transversal magnetization. The proposed methodology could potentially open up really intriguing perspectives in the fabrication of devices-deformable by magnetic forces-for bio-electronics and bio-medical applications.