Ferrofluid is a magnetic stable liquid similar to the magnetorheological fluid that has larger particles. The fluid usually contains miniscule magnetic pieces made of common metals such as iron, cobalt and magnetite. To ensure that the fluid remains in liquid form the metal elements are usually very small in size. Water and oil is added to hold these magnetic materials together. However you can also find ferrofluid that has other substances and surfactants that make it more stable magnetically.
The Magnetic Property
Normally the magnetic particles in the liquid are distributed randomly in the fluid. But once a magnetic field is made available, the particles in the fluid react instantly to the magnetic field. The minute the field is removed, the fluid stops reacting immediately. With this kind of magnetic behavior, it becomes very easy to control and position the fluid in response to an external field. Since the forces that hold the substance are usually proportional to the magnetic value of ferrofluid and the external field gradient, all one needs to do change the retention force of ferrofluid is to adjust the fluid or alter the nearest magnetic field.
Basic Ferrofluid Application
Ferrofluid contains very unique features that make it compatible with a wide variety of materials. One should ensure that the materials to be used with the fluid are chemically compatible with it to ensure that there is a proper reaction. In case you find that the compounds in any of the materials are not compatible, it is highly unlikely that there will be a reaction. Ferrofluid’s properties allow it to be used in hostile environments such as those that have gases to produce lubricant vapors, speaker adhesives, liquid sprays that are used on special machinery and aircrafts among other semi conductor industries. Before you use it in any application ensure that you select the ingredients according to the uniqueness of the application to avoid the chemical compound from affecting the fluid’s magnetization property.
Usage of Ferrofluid
Initially it was used in military hardware in the radar repulsion process during the 1980’s. It was applied on airplanes together with non-magnetic paint to allow the plane to absorb radio waves and remain visible to the radar as they flew. Various researches are now being undertaken to find other ways of utilizing ferrofluid as well as magnetorheological fluid. Currently scientists are creating light clothing that can undergo transformation into a full body armor that will generate an electromagnetic field. Other researchers are developing enhancement speakers, hard drive sealants and establishing a way of detecting cancer.
Ferrofluid has the ability to withstand extreme temperatures and can be used worldwide. Scientists should take advantage of its many properties to meet different needs and establish ways in which ferrofluid can be used in the lives of people every day.
What does it take to change our world? One person? A group of ten? A mob of thousand? Well, how about trillions of atoms? Science has advanced to such an extent that trillions of atoms and molecules just nanometers in width can make a huge difference to our planet as we know it. Ferrorfluid is one new development set to revolutionize industries where speakers, shock absorbent materials, seals, and other such products are used. Auto industry is set to gain the most.
Ferrum, in Latin, means iron. Not surprisingly, this fluid consists of iron that is suspended in any liquid. The liquid is either water or any other organic based substance. The resulting combination is called hematite or magnetite. The dispersal of the particles is done with help of surfactant process. The final consequence is that base becomes colloidal. Further, this surfactant process stops this coating from acquiring a magnetic field. Further, the Van Der Waals causes various ferrous particles to get clumped together. This process results in this fluid that consists of superparamagnetic qualities.
What makes Ferrofluids so useful? This liquid acts as a very good seal. All it takes is bit of magnetism for this seal to become watertight. The liquid's quality is that it becomes airtight. It becomes virtually immune from friction no matter how much wear and tear takes place. The seal remains fluid, dynamic and flexible. Just imagine how this product will work in your car's driveshaft? Many car makers use ferrofluids and prepare the seals to locks driveshaft and drive train in the car together. This option is used when making all or four wheel drive cars. Just press any button and the ferrofluid will kick making a great seal. This will not take more than a few seconds. The electricity based magnet will be fitted inside the differential and the effect will be instantaneous.
Another next benefit of ferrofluid is that it is great in absorbing shocks. If one uses lubricants based on oil and ferrofluid, it will be very easy to dampen shocks effectively at all times. Control of traction and absorbing shock as you wish - this will become possible with presence of the magnet powered by electricity. The driver can make infinite adjustments in a few seconds.
Ferrofluid is making a huge impact on the automobile industry. The substance has been helping automobiles reach optimum performance. It also helps sustain peak performance for longer durations. The refinement in technology is taking place constantly. What may be a dream today can become reality with help of the substance. This development falls in 'must watch' segment. Sooner or later, people are going to find ways to use this fluid in various other industries as well.
