Hi guys....i really require ur help. I wanted to make a ferrofluid. But i cud nt get any oleic acid. Can I use CITRIC acid instead of oleic.Also, i heard the ferrofluid will not be as strong as expected to get spikes. Is this true? Can u give me some tips. I have been using this tutorial for the preparation :
http://chemistry.about.com/od/demonstrationsexperiments/ss/liquidmagnet_2.htm
2007-11-20 03:55:43 · 2 answers · asked by Viveque 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
No. Citric Acid will not be a good replacement since Oleic Acid is a fatty acid. It acts as your surfactant. Citric Acid is more just acid and has no real fat component. Oleic Acid is used as a skin remedy and can probably be found in the skin products at a drug store or in a specialty nutrition store (best bet to find pure).
2007-11-20 04:12:33 · answer #1 · answered by serf_tide 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry that I can not give you a definite answer but one other important factor is the size, shape, and composition of the magnetic particles. You might contact a company that makes ferro-fluids (google and see what you get) and try to find someone in their R&D department who could help you. They may be able to provide you with a sample of their material. good luck with a fascinating project.
2007-11-20 12:09:01 · answer #2 · answered by Gary H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋