Evaluation of Nanodispersion of Iron Oxides Using Various Polymers

In order to create Fe(2)O(3) and Fe(2)O(3)·H(2)O nanoparticles, various polymers were used as dispersing agents, and the resulting effects on the dispersibility and nanoparticulation of the iron oxides were evaluated. It was revealed that not only the solution viscosity but also the molecular length of the polymers and the surface tension of the particles affected the dispersibility of Fe(2)O(3) and Fe(2)O(3)·H(2)O particles. Using the dispersing agents 7.5% hydroxypropylcellulose-SSL, 6.0% Pharmacoat 603, 5.0% and 6.5% Pharmacoat 904 and 7.0% Metolose SM-4, Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticles were successfully fabricated by wet milling using Ultra Apex Mill. Fe(2)O(3)·H(2)O nanoparticles could also be produced using 5.0% hydroxypropylcellulose-SSL and 4.0 and 7.0% Pharmacoat 904. The index for dispersibility developed in this study appears to be an effective indicator of success in fabricating nanoparticles of iron oxides by wet milling using Ultra Apex Mill.