Magnetic Thinking Putty

How to Make Liquid Magnets - Synthesize Ferrofluid A liquid magnet or ferrofluid is a colloidal mixture of magnetic particles (~10 nm in diameter) in a liquid carrier. The carrier contains a surfactant to prevent the particles from sticking together. Ferrofluids can be suspended in water or in an organic fluid. Several people have asked me if they can make substitutions for the oleic acid and the kerosene. When no external magnetic field is present the fluid is not magnetic and the orientation of the magnetite particles is random. You can find ferrofluids in high-end speakers and in the laser heads of some CD and DVD players. Next Step: Gather Your MaterialsLiquid Magnets Video