How To Make Ferro Fluid

Ferro fluid is a type of liquid magnet that becomes strongly magnetized when in the presence of a magnetic field

. Composed of a colloidal mixture of magnetic particles, the typical ferrofluid or liquid magnet is made up of about 5 percent of magnetic solids, 10 percent of surfactant, and 85 percent of a liquid agent referred to as the carrier. These liquid magnets have become extremely popular in the production of speakers, laser heads, and computer disk drives, as they are not magnetic unless there is an external magnetic field present. If you would like to make your own ferrofluid, it is possible to do so at home with the right safety considerations, materials, and instruction.

Safety Considerations

The process of making a liquid magnet involves using flammable substances that will generate toxic fumes and heat. Because of this, you should be sure you wear protection over your skin and your eyes and perform your work in an area that is well ventilated. Like always, keep the materials used for producing ferrofluids out of reach of children and pets.

Materials Needed

To make your own ferro fluid you can use common materials that can be found at your local retailers and pharmacies. The two most important ingredients needed are oleic acid and PCB etchant. Oleic acid can be found in local pharmacies and PCB etchant, also referred to as ferric chloride solution, can be found in a larger electronics store. In addition to these two substances, you will need household ammonia, steel wool, distilled water, a magnet, kerosene, a heat source, 2 beakers, a plastic syringe, and filter papers.

Once you find all of the ingredients you need to make your ferrofluid or liquid magnet, you will need to find detailed procedures on how to synthesize magnetite. This is the first step in preparation for making ferrofluids. An accurate guide will give you the measurements of solutions and a step-by-step process of how to combine the solutions and synthesize magnetite.

Once you have synthesized the magnetite, you will then need to find steps on how to suspend the magnetite in your liquid carrier agent. You must ensure the magnetic particles are coated with a surfactant so that they will not stick together when they are magnetized. This process must be followed step by step to ensure the final product comes out right.

Making ferrofluids can be a fun activity or a wonderful chemistry project. If you are looking for a unique experiment to perform for your chemistry class, consider producing your own ferrofluid. Float a penny over the ferrofluid and explore the shapes you can make using a hard magnet and have an enjoyable experience learning about science and the elements.

by: Marie Winston

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