Challenge Biomedical Science Nanotechnology

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Challenge Biomedical Science Nanotechnology
Ferrofluid
Ferrofluid was originally developed by NASA in
the 1960s as a way to control liquids in
gravity-free outer space. Its 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.
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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).