A liquid that is attracted to magnets? Sounds bizarre … which is the perfect reason to get started!

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FERRO FLUID

SAFETY KEY:

+ Harmful liquids

SKILL LEVEL:

EASY

INTERMEDIATE

ADVANCED

APPROXIMATE TIME:

15 minutes

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

+ A plastic cup

+ A plate

+ Synthetic black iron oxide

+ Magnetic motor oil

+ Magnetic

 

LET’S BEGIN

1.  Pour several ounces of motor oil into a plastic cup.

2.  Add an equal amount of black oxide and stir until it becomes thick.

3.  Pour the liquid onto a plate.

4.  Place magnet under plate.

5.  The liquid should react and shapes should start appearing.

WHAT IS THIS THING?! The basic idea is it is a liquid that’s attracted to a magnetic field. Ferro fluid needs three main components: a magnetic powder that can be suspended, a fluid to suspend it in that will stick to the microscopic particles, and a surfactant (surface-active agent). All three elements are necessary for your ferro fluid to give you the best results!

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PRO TIP: If the black oxide begins to separate from the oil, thicken the base with several more plates and then place the magnet under it again.

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TEST IT OUT: Now the fun part! Grab some magnets and see what happens. Different magnet strengths should result in different liquid shapes and sizes. If the magnet is too powerful, it may just pull the magnet powder right out of the oil, but try it anyway! Play around with your substance. Move it around, make it dance, or even see what happens when you freeze it with liquid nitrogen. This stuff may be a little creepy … but it’s definitely cool.