Transcript Document

Challenge Biomedical Science –
Nanotechnology
Ferroflui
d
Ferrofluid was originally developed by
NASA in the 1960s as a way to
control liquids in gravity-free outer
space. It’s a liquid base (solvent or
water) with loads of nanoscale
magnetite particles in it. This means
the fluid is attracted to magnets, and
spikes up in the shape of the
magnetic field lines.
You will now be handed a small petri dish with some ferrofluid in it and a
few magnets. Slowly bring the magnets closer to the petri dish from below
and see what happens. Make sure everyone at your table has a go at this.
PLEASE DO NOT TURN PETRI DISH.
Challenge Biomedical Science –
Nanotechnology
Ferrofluid
Applications
Ferrofluid is used as a damper fluid to reduce unwanted resonance in speakers.
In a similar it can be used as a shock absorber in cars.
It is thought that the damping property of ferrofluid could also be used to make
buildings earthquake-resistant.
The US Airforce have introduced paint made with ferrofluid. Airplanes painted with
this paint are able to absorb radar waves and remain invisible to radar when they
pass overhead.
In medicine, ferrofluid can be used to detect cancer cells.
Future
Researchers are attempting to design ferrofluids that can carry medications to
specific locations in the body through the use of applied magnetic fields. Other
ongoing work is investigating the use of ferrofluids as to help with magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI).