Magnetic properties and magneto-birefringence of magnetic fluids

Static magnetic properties of a large variety of magnetic fluids with magnetite particles is studied. A qualitative study of magnetization curves was performed to establish the influence of interactions or the presence of agglomerations in each sample. Improved equations for magneto-granulometric analysis, for ideal ferrofluids, were proposed. Better results for the mean magnetic diameter than in the case of using the known equations were obtained. A quantitative study using several models for ideal and interacting particles was performed to select the best method and dimensional distribution function for magneto-granulometric analysis as well as for accurately determining macroscopic quantities of samples (initial susceptibility, saturation magnetization, particle number density or magnetic volume fraction) and properties of nanoparticles (mean magnetic diameter, thickness of the nonmagnetic layer and particle distribution). A new model for magneto-birefringence was proposed and discussed as well as applied for diluted and concentrated ferrofluids. The Langevin behaviour of samples was investigated and compared with the investigation based on magnetic properties. Nanoparticles parameters like mean “magneto-optical” diameter, effective anisotropy constant, Shliomis diameter and the real part of the electrical permittivity of particles were accurately determined. Received 18 July 1999 and Received in final form 13 January 2000     

Distribution of micrometer-size particles in magnetic fluids in the presence of steady uniform magnetic field

In this paper, distribution of suspended micrometer-size particles in magnetic fluids is investigated. Microstructure formation of particles in magnetic fluids is simulated by using the discrete particle method based on the simplified Stokes dynamics. Not only magnetic particles but also nonmagnetic particles are rearranged in the field direction and form chain-like clusters due to the apparent magnetization in magnetic fluids in the presence of magnetic field. When the diameter of nonmagnetic particles is smaller than that of magnetic particles, nonmagnetic particles move into the empty space of microstructure of magnetic particles, and they are rearranged in the field direction. Uniformity of distribution of particles on the plane perpendicular to the field direction is maintained even after microstructure formation.     

Rheological properties of polydisperse magnetic fluids. Effect of chain aggregates

A theoretical model of medium-density polydisperse magnetic fluids is proposed. The model takes into account that the major fraction of particles in typical ferrofluids is characterized by a magnetic core diameter of about 10 nm. In addition, there is a certain proportion of large particles with a core diameter of about 16 nm. As a result of the magnetic dipole interaction, the large particles form chain aggregates. Small particles, for which the magnetic dipole interaction energy (both with each other and with large particles) is smaller than the thermal energy, remain in the individual nonaggregated state. The distribution of chains with respect to the number of (large) particles and some rheological characteristics of the ferrofluids are determined. The proposed model is capable of explaining, in principle, the giant magnetoviscosity effect and a strong dependence of the rheological properties of ferrofluids on the shear rate observed in some recent experiments.     

Saturation Magnetization and Law of Approach to Saturation for Self-formed Ionic Ferrofluids Based on MnFe2O2 Nanoparticles

测量了MnFe₂O₄纳米微粒及其磁性液体在室温下的磁化曲线.微粒的中值粒径为13.67 nm. 磁性液体的比饱和磁化强度小于理论值.在高场范围(5～10 kOe)下,磁性液体趋于饱和时,其体积分数越大,磁化曲线的斜率越大. 这种饱和磁化强度性质和趋饱和律分别源自于无场时的环状自组装团聚体和场致团聚体. 场致团聚体是耗散结构,以致于其趋饱和磁化律不同于顺磁理论所描述的趋饱和律. 磁性液体中的大微粒导致了表观磁滞现象.     

Magnetic susceptibility curves of a nanoparticle assembly II. Simulation and analysis of ZFC/FC curves in the case of a magnetic anisotropy energy distribution

Starting from the theoretical results established in Tournus and Bonet (2010 [1]) to describe ZFC/FC (zero-field cooled/field cooled) susceptibility curves, we examine the limitations of the widely used two states model (or abrupt transition model) where the magnetic particles are supposed to be either fully blocked or fully superparamagnetic. This crude model appears to be an excellent approximation in most practical cases, i.e. for particle assembly with broad enough size distributions. We improve the usual model by taking into account the temperature sweep existing in experimental measurements. We also discuss a common error made in the use of the two states model. We then investigate the relation between the ZFC peak temperature and the particle anisotropy constant, and underline the strong impact of the size dispersion. Other useful properties of ZFC/FC curves are discussed, such as invariance properties, the reversibility of the FC curve and the link between the susceptibility curves and the magnetic anisotropy distribution. All these considerations lay solid bases for an accurate analysis of experimental magnetic measurements.     

Production of magnetic microspheres by ultrasonic atomisation

Magnetic microspheres, with mean particle sizes from 23 to 32 μm were produced by the ultrasonic atomisation of a suspension of magnetite particles, of approximately 200 nm diameter, in a solution of poly–l–lactic acid (PLLA). The mean particle diameter and the width of the particle diameter distribution both increased with increasing magnetite concentration. The particles appear to be suitable for magnetic hyperthermic treatment of liver cancers, with the hysteresis loop areas increasing linearly with nominal magnetite concentration up to 30 wt% magnetite.     

The influence of long range interparticle correlations on the magnetically induced optical anisotropy in magnetic colloids

In this paper we develop a theoretical model for the magnetically induced optical anisotropy in dense magnetic colloids made of spherical and un-aggregated magnetic monodomain nanoparticles. Both dipole-field and dipole-dipole magnetic and electric interactions between the magnetic monodomain particles are taken into account in the Hamiltonian of the system. Using the pair correlation function in a colloidal suspension of magnetic nanoparticles developed by Ivanov and Kuznetsova (2001) [11], the complex dielectric constant of a magnetic colloid is modeled as a function of the light polarization direction, the magnetic field intensity and magnetic particle concentration and diameter. The two main features of the model are that, on the one hand, it predicts the possibility of magnetically induced optical anisotropy in dense magnetic colloids made of spherical and un-aggregated monodomain nanoparticles, and on the other hand, unlike the existing models for diluted samples, it predicts a non-linear dependence of dichroism and birefringence on magnetic particle concentration.     

Synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles for AC magnetic heating

Magnetite particles with different average diameter (D_m) suitable for magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) were synthesized by controlled coprecipitation technique. In this method, the reaction pH was stabilized using the pH buffer and the average particle diameter decreased with increasing reaction pH. The size-dependent magnetic behavior of the magnetite nanoparticles was studied and the optimum size range required for magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) has been arrived at. Among the samples studied, the maximum specific absorption rate of 15.7 W/g was recorded for the magnetite sample with D_m of 13 nm, when exposed to an AC magnetic field strength of 3.2 kA/m and a frequency of 600 kHz. The AC magnetic properties suggested that the size distribution of the sample was bimodal with average particle size less than ∼13 nm.     

Magneto-optical study of magnetite nanoparticles prepared by chemical and biomineralization process

This paper deals with a magneto-optical study of suspensions of magnetosomes. These magnetosomes are synthesized by biomineralization process of magnetotactic bacteria, followed by steps of isolation and purification in order to obtain stable suspensions. The structural analysis evidences the good crystallinity of the magnetite particles with a diameter of 34 nm. Magneto-induced linear and circular anisotropy confirms the important role played by the chains in the orientation mechanism of such magnetic dipoles. Numerical adjustments of the linear anisotropy curves using a classical Langevin orientation model give the average number of magnetosomes per chain, about 12.     

Dilution series approach for investigation of microstructural properties and particle interactions in high-quality magnetic fluids

The aim of the paper is to study the deviation of magnetic properties of the magnetic fluids prepared for this study, from ideal (Langevin) behaviour, i.e. to estimate particle interaction influence and dimensions and influence of particle aggregates, as well as to explain the related effects observed. We also determine the particle coupling parameter, the particle nonmagnetic layer thickness, and the particle distribution, which are fundamental for sample characterization. A comparison of the studied magnetic fluids with each other, with respect to microstructure formation and particle interaction strength is finally done. For these purposes, a concentration dependence study, following the proposed “dilution series approach”, is performed. Three series of dilutions of three types of magnetic fluids were prepared and analyzed. Received 27 August 2001     

Deformation and motion by gravity and magnetic field of a droplet of water-based magnetic fluid on a hydrophobic surface

Motion and deformation of a water-based magnetic fluid on a hydrophobic surface were investigated under gravity and a magnetic field. Surface energy and the resultant contact angle of the magnetic fluid depend on the surfactant concentration. The fluid viscosity is governed mainly by magnetite concentration. The front edge of the droplet moved under a weak external field. The rear edge required a higher external field for movement. The forces of gravity and the magnetic field for moving of the front edge are almost equal. However, those of the rear edge are different. The motion of magnetic fluids by an external field depends on concentrations of surfactants and magnetic particles, the external field, and experimental assembly.     

Citric-acid-coated magnetite nanoparticles for biological applications

Water-based magnetic fluids, generally intended for biomedical applications, often have various coating molecules that make them stable and compatible with biological liquids. Magnetic fluids containing iron oxide particles have been prepared by a co-precipitation method, using citric acid as stabilizer. The magnetic particles of the magnetic fluids were obtained by chemical precipitation from ferric ( FeCl₃) and ferrous salts ( FeSO₄ or FeCl₂) in alkali medium (ammonia hydroxide). Citric acid was used to stabilize the magnetic-particle suspension. Physical tests were performed in order to determine various microstructural and rheological features. Transmission electron microscopy was the main investigation method for assessing the magnetic-particle size. The dimensional distribution of the magnetic-particle physical diameter was analyzed using the box-plot statistical method while infrared absorption spectra were used to study the colloidal particle structure. The magnetic-fluid density (picnometric method), viscosity (capillary method) and surface tension (stalagmometric method) were measured using standard methods.     

The roles of hydrochloric acid and polyethylene glycol in magnetic fluids

Increasing interest has been drawn to the studies of magnetic fluids due to their multiple applications from industry to medicine. However, further exploration is still required for the techniques of preparing satisfying, convenient and stable magnetic fluids. We explored characteristics of magnetic liquids prepared by employing co-precipitation techniques of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), and the functions of HCl and PEG in the magnetic liquid. According to the improved technique, after preparing Fe₃O₄ by a co-precipitation method, hydrochloric acid and PEG2000 react with magnetic particles at a certain temperature to generate the anticipated magnetic nanoparticles. The process could be under an air atmosphere rather than a N₂ atmosphere. Compared with traditional techniques, the magnetic nanoparticles prepared by this method have smaller size, better dispersion and stability, with the average hydrodynamic diameter adjustable between 8 and 50 nm. This study revealed that reduction of nanoparticles size is not mainly due to a [Cl⁻] coating over the magnetic nanoparticles, but that HCl reacts with Fe₃O₄ particles after being heated. Meanwhile, PEG can stabilize or coat Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles as a dispersing and stabilizing agent.     

On the theory of rheological properties of magnetic suspensions

The paper deals with a theoretical study of influence of magnetic field on effective viscosity of suspension of non-Brownian magnetizable particles. It is supposed that experimentally observed magnetorheological effects are provided by chain-like aggregates, consisting of the particles. Unlike previous works on this subject, we take into account that the chains cannot be identical and estimate their size distribution. The following power law (η-η₀)/η₀∼Mn^-Δ, detected in many experiments, is obtained theoretically (η and η₀ are the suspension effective viscosity and the carrier liquid viscosity, respectively, Mn is the so-called Mason number, proportional to the shear rate and inversely proportional to the square of magnetic field). The calculated magnitude of the exponent Δ increases with the applied magnetic field from approximately 0.66 to 0.8-0.9 and slowly increases with the volume concentration ? of the particles. These results are in agreement with known experiments.     

Kinetics of internal structures growth in magnetic suspensions

The kinetics of aggregation of non Brownian magnetizable particles in the presence of a magnetic field is studied both theoretically and by means of computer simulations. A theoretical approach is based on a system of Smoluchowski equations for the distribution function of the number of particles in linear chain-like aggregates. Results obtained in the two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) models are analyzed in relation with the size of the cell, containing the particles, and the particle volume fraction φ$\phi$. The theoretical model reproduces the change of the aggregation kinetics with the size of the cell and with the particle volume fraction as long as the lateral aggregation of chains is negligible.     

Mechanism of chain formation in nanofluid based MR fluids

Mechanism of structure formation in bidispersed colloids is important for its physical and optical properties. It is microscopically observed that the mechanism of chain formation in magnetic nanofluid based magnetorheological (MR) fluid is quite different from that in the conventional MR fluid. Under the application of magnetic field the magnetic nanoparticles are filled inside the structural microcavities formed due to the association of large magnetic particles, and some of the magnetic nanoparticles are attached at the end of the chains formed by the large particles. The dipolar energy of the large particles in a magnetic nanofluid matrix becomes effective magnetic permeability (μ_eff) times smaller than that of the neutral medium. Inclusion of magnetic nanoparticles (∼10 nm) with large magnetic particles (∼3-5 μm) restricts the aggregation of large particles, which causes the field induced phase separation in MR fluids. Hence, nanofluid based MR fluids are more stable than conventional MR fluids, which subsequently increase their application potentiality.     

离子型钴铁氧体磁流体的稀土改性与机理研究

采用化学共沉淀法以柠檬酸三钠为表面改性剂制备了离子型稀土复合钴铁氧体磁流体.利用X衍射仪和透射电镜对磁粒子的组成、结构及粒径进行了分析.利用古埃磁天平和分光光度计研究了稀土离子改性对磁流体饱和磁化强度和磁感应的影响,实验结果表明:合成过程中添加稀土离子能明显降低磁性纳米粒子的粒径,制得的磁粒子均呈球形,钴铁氧体磁粒子的粒径为12～15nm,稀土钴铁氧体磁粒子的粒径为6～8nm.利用稀土改性的微观模型解释了粒径的降低.添加Dy3+能提高饱和磁化强度和磁感应,添加Y3+则能提高磁感应,却降低了饱和磁化强度.并从理论上对其改性机理进行了详细的分析.     

Dimensional analysis of aqueous magnetic fluids

A comparison of the synthesis and characterization of three aqueous magnetic fluids intended for biomedical applications is presented. Stable colloidal suspensions of iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared by a co-precipitation method with the magnetite cores being coated with β-cyclodextrin, tetramethylammonium hydroxide and citric acid. Rheological properties of the fluids were investigated, i.e. viscosity (capillary method) and surface tension (stalagmometric method) in correlation with their density (picnometric method). The dimensional distributions of the ferrophase particles physical diameter of these three magnetic fluids – revealed on the basis of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data – as well as the diameter distributions of some other magnetic fluids presented in the literature, were comparatively analyzed using the box-plot statistical method. In order to extract complementary data on the magnetic diameter of an iron oxide core, magnetization measurements as well as X-ray diffraction pattern analysis were carried out. Interpretation of all the measurement data was accomplished by assessing the suitability of the three magnetic fluid samples from the viewpoint of their stability and biocompatibility. PACS 75.50.Mm; 61.46.Df; 68.37.Lp; 96.15.Pf; 75.75.+a     

Interface profile evolution between binary immiscible fluids induced by high magnetic field gradients

A mechanical analysis is done to find the evolution of the interface profile between binary immiscible fluids induced by a three-dimensional orthogonal magnetic field gradient.In the experiments,the changes of the interface profile between four groups of binary immiscible fluids are investigated under the same horizontal magnetic field gradients.The binary immiscible fluids are made of benzene and other liquids,like CuSO4,Fecl3,FeSO4 or Cucl2 aqueous solutions.In addition,the interface profile between the benzene and CuSO4 aqueous solution is examined under different horizontal magnetic field gradients.The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical analysis.This study explains the enhanced Moses effect from a mechanics standpoint.Furthermore,a new method for susceptibility measurement is proposed based on this enhanced Moses effect.     

Stability and magnetorheological behaviour of magnetic fluids based on ionic liquids

This paper reports the preparation of magnetic fluids consisting of magnetite nanoparticles dispersed in an ionic liquid. Different additives were used in order to stabilize the fluids. Colloidal stability was checked by magnetic sedimentation, centrifugation and direct observation. The results of these tests showed that a true ferrofluid was only obtained when the nanoparticles were coated with a layer of surfactant compatible with the ionic liquid. These experiments also showed that stability could not be reached just by electrostatic repulsion. The conclusions of the stability tests were confirmed by calculations of the interparticle energies of interaction. The rheological behaviour of the magnetic fluids upon magnetic field application was also investigated. The experimental magnetoviscous response was fitted by a microstructural model. The model considered that the fluids consisted of two populations of particles, one with a magnetic core diameter of 9?nm, and another with a larger diameter. Upon field application chain-like structures are supposed to be induced. According to estimations particles of 9?nm are too small to aggregate upon field application. The results of the calculations showed that the intensity of the magnetoviscous response depends on the concentration and size of the large particles, and on the thickness of the surfactant layers.