Biomimetic synthesis of aqueous ferrofluids using different polymers (STR)

Ferro fluid (compound of Latin ferrum, meaning iron, and fluid) is a liquid which becomes strongly magnetized in the presence of a magnetic field. Ferro fluids are colloidal suspensions of magnetic nanoparticles. Ferro fluids respond to an external magnetic field enabling the solution’s location to be controlled through the application of a magnetic field. Fe3O4 magnetite nanoparticles can be produced by mixing Fe (II) and Fe (III) salts together in a basic solution. The particles must remain small and separated from one another in order to remain suspended in the liquid medium. Surfactants are used to prevent the nanoparticles from approaching one another too closely. Once prepared, Ferro fluids have the captivating property of exhibiting “spikes” when placed in the proximity of a strong magnet.