Ferro fluid is basically a liquid that can be strongly magnetized when subjected to a magnetic field. A typical  liquid magnet or ferrofluid is made up of 10% surfactant, 5% magnetic solids and 85% of a liquid agent known as the carrier. Liquid magnets have become very popular in the recent past. They are now used in making speakers, computer hard drives and laser heads. With the right instructions, materials ans safety considerations, anyone can make liquid magnets at home.


Safety Measures.


Due to the application of flammable chemicals when making liquid magnets, heat and toxic fumes will be produced. These fumes and heat must be expelled from the room by the ventilation system. Protective clothing and goggle must be worn to prevent exposure to toxic substances. All the material and chemicals used in the process must be stored away out of reach of children and pets. The room in which the preparation will be done must be well ventilated with open windows and an easily accessible first aid kit.





Materials Required.

Most materials used to make ferro fluid can be found in the local pharmacies and retailers. key ingredients include PCB etchant, also known as ferric chloride solution which can be obtained from leading electronics stores and Oleic acid which can be obtained with ease from local pharmacies. Other materials required are steel wool, household ammonia, a magnet, a heat source, kerosene, distilled water, a plastic syringe, 2 beakers and filter papers.


After collecting all the ingredients for making ferro fluid, you will require detailed  instructions on how to synthesize magnetite. This is the first and most important procedure when making liquid magnets. An accurate guide will give you the step-by-step instructions of how to mix  the volumes of solutions and synthesize magnetite. Accurate measurements must be done on the solutions in order to get the perfect magnetite.


After synthesis of magnetite, the guide has instructions on suspending the magnetite on the surface of the liquid carrier agent. A surfactant  is used to coat the magnetic particles to ensure that they do not stick together after magnetization. The procedure must be followed correctly step-by-step in order to achieve the correct end product. Only by following the instructions given in the guide will you be able to get your home-made ferro liquid.


Making ferrofluids can be very interesting and a fun way to get high scores in a chemistry project. Students looking for a unique project in their chemistry course should consider building a project based on making ferro liquids at home. It is through experiments that science is learned, experimenting on magnets, specifically liquid magnets can be a fun way to learn. You can also explore more on the applications on liquid magnets, who knows you may come up with something new despite having fun.