Fabrication and magnetic properties of chains composed of spherical iron particles

Ferromagnetic chains consisting of metallic Fe spheres having 20-70 nm diameter have been fabricated by a reduction of ferrous chloride with potassium borohydride. The variations in particle size, boron content and crystallinity with synthesis conditions are investigated. The magnetic properties are examined as a function of annealing temperatures. The observed magnetic properties are correlated to particle size and crystallinity.