Spherical magnetic nanoparticles with narrow size distribution and organic capping were diluted in paraffin with different concentrations to verify the role of dipolar interactions on the macroscopic magnetic behavior. Increasing concentration of magnetic nanoparticles leads to higher blocking temperatures. The experimental data were analyzed by means of a recently proposed model that takes into account magnetic interactions of dipolar origin, and an excellent agreement was found. Considering the magnetic interaction among particles it was possible to obtain the real magnetic moment and estimate structural parameters that are consistent with the ones obtained by small angle x-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy.

• Received 1 April 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.72.184428