Superparamagnetic photosensitive polymer nanocomposite for microactuators

Abstract

We present a photosensitive polymer composite with superparamagnetic characteristics for the fabrication of microactuators. A uniform distribution of particles in the photosensitive polymer matrix SU-8 is achieved by applying superparamagnetic nanoparticles with the aid of a surfactant. The composite contains Fe3O4 nanoparticles up to 3 vol.% (12 wt.%) with diameters of around 13 nm. Superparamagnetic composite microcantilevers are successfully fabricated and actuated in resonance by the magnetic field of an external coil.