How to Make Ferrofluid: The Liquid of the Future

What Is Ferrofluid?

Ferrofluid is a black, solvent-based liquid, that, in the presence of a magnetic field, becomes strongly magnetized. The fluid is made up of nanomagnetic particles coated with an "anti-stick" or surfactant compound, suspended in a "carrier", commonly an organic solvent. For mechanical applications, it is used in hard drives and speakers as a lubricant. However, it also has been implemented in artwork, as seen in the video below.

For more information about ferrofluid, see here. 

You Will Need

Materials

• You'll need some laser printer toner (can be found at most office supply stores)
• Motor oil or kerosene (found at most hardware stores)
• Oleic acid (found online here)
• Household ammonia

Note: The Oleic acid is not exactly necessary, olive oil or citric acid can be substituted for a less than desired result. If you're looking for ferrofluid like the liquid used in the video above, use Oleic acid.

Tools

1. A stir stick or spoon
2. Glass (Pyrex) container
3. A heat source (stove)
4. Measuring equipment

The Procedure

1. Add 150 ml of ammonia into one of the Pyrex containers, then add about three tablespoons of toner.
2. Heat the mixture to near boiling, then add the oleic acid (or substitute). This will produce ammonia gas, so do this in a well-ventilated area! The oleic acid reacts with ammonia to form ammonium oleate. Heat causes the oleate ion to enter the mixture, while the ammonia escapes as a gas. When the oleate ion binds to the toner it is reconverted to oleic acid.
3. Now, stir in 100ml of kerosene (or motor oil) and add it to the beaker.
4. Let cool, then pour off any water left on top of the mixture.

Usage

To use, bring a magnetic field (magnet) near the liquid, and observe the amazing liquid structures that form in the presence of the field. Don't let the magnet touch the ferrofluid, it will cause a very messy, toner-covered magnet to clean.

Tips

• Try placing a coil of copper wire into the liquid, then attaching it to an amplifier. Use a signal generating program to pulse the coil, and observe the results!
• Store in a closed container.
• Don't spill the ferrofluid! Its very very messy and colors anything it touches black.

Warnings

• Ammonia, liquid or gas is very dangerous, don't ingest or inhale it.
• Kerosene and motor oil are also poisonous, be careful.
• I am not responsible for any damage, harm or ruined clothing.
• Stoves are hot! Don't burn yourself