Magnetic fluid is a novel nanomaterial composed of surfactants, nano-magnetic particles, and a base carrier liquid. It is a colloidal solution that can remain stable even under the influence of a magnetic or electric field. With the liquidity of a liquid and the magnetism of a solid material, magnetic fluid unifies the flowability of liquid and the magnetism of a solid in one substance, opening up possibilities for its application in machinery and components.
Compared to traditional solid magnets, the new liquid magnets are more flexible and versatile, capable of transforming at room temperature, making them more conducive to the development of potential applications, such as in the field of magnetic fluid seal technology.
Magnetic fluid seal technology is an innovative sealing technique comprising magnetic magnets, pole boots, and a magnetically conductive shaft. Magnetic fluid is injected into the sealing gap between the pole boot and the shaft. Under the influence of a magnetic field, the magnetic fluid forms liquid O-rings, providing a sealing effect. Its leakage rate is less than 10^-12 Pa·m^3/s, typically considered zero leakage. Furthermore, its outstanding advantages include a long lifespan and high reliability.
The low-temperature resistance of magnetic fluid ensures that the torque of magnetic fluid seals does not increase significantly at low temperatures. In addition, in complex working conditions, innovative theories and applications of reciprocating seals with magnetic fluid have been invented. As of now, the research team has developed seven types of magnetic fluids and produced tens of thousands of magnetic fluid seal devices, widely applied in domestic fields such as machinery and chemical industries.
Magnetic fluid seal technology effectively addresses the issue of leaks in traditional industrial sealing media and has the characteristics of safety, environmental friendliness, and no pollution.
Experts believe that this new material can also be used to manufacture magnetic liquid robots, magnetic liquid micro-reactors, magnetic liquid programmable information storage devices, etc., using technologies such as full liquid-phase 3D printing and mold shaping. This can also drive the development and application of advanced technologies in new magnetic material characterization, such as polarized neutron magnetic imaging, X-ray coherent scattering microscopy, and other high-end technologies.
However, currently, this type of liquid magnet has some drawbacks, such as weak magnetic field intensity of liquid droplets, easy deviation of magnetic poles, and poor stability of the interface particle layer. Therefore, there is still much theoretical exploration and improvement needed in the future. Further exploration may involve new magnetic nanomaterials based on different metals or their oxides, such as iron, cobalt, nickel, etc.