Magnetic properties of poly(p-xylylene)-Ni nanocomposites

The dependence of electrical and magnetic properties on structure of thin poly(p-xylylene) - nickel nanocomposite films with Ni concentrations from 5 to 30 vol.% was studied. It was found that metal concentration strongly affects size and oxidation state of the nanoparticles. Effect of the filler content on electrical and magnetic properties of the nanocomposites was revealed. These properties are determined by percolation phenomenon, with the percolation threshold value of about 10 vol.%. The well pronounced magnetic hysteresis as well as ferromagnetic ordering were observed at Ni content above the percolation threshold. The diagrams of magnetic properties of these composites as a function of composition and temperature were elaborated.