What You Need To Know About Ferrofluid

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.