The Report Includes:
- An overview of the global market for magnetorheological fluid and ferrofluids
- A look at the major market opportunities and evaluation of recent activities in magnetorheological fluid and ferrofluids industry
- Insight into opportunities and challenges for magnetorheological fluid and ferrofluids manufacturers and users
Summary
This report discusses and analyzes two magnetic particle-based fluids for industrial use: magnetorheological (MR) fluid (MRF) versus Ferrofluids, also known as magnetic fluid (MF).
An MR fluid consists of particles of magnetic materials, a liquid that acts as a carrier and a dispersing agent, which is generally a surface-active agent (surfactant). When subjected to a magnetic field, the particles in the MR fluid align and form a chain structure, which greatly increases the fluid’s apparent viscosity, to the point of being a viscoelastic solid. The surfactant is used to cover the surfaces of the particles in order to prevent the sedimentation of the particles.
A Ferro or MF fluid is a stable viscous fluid that also contains magnetic particles and a carrier. Without a magnetic field, the particles are randomly distributed and the MF has no magnetization. But when the MF is exposed to a magnetic field, the particles align and the MF exhibits magnetized behavior. As in an MR fluid, the surfaces of the particles are also often covered by surfactant, to produce electrostatic repulsion, which prevents agglomeration of the particles.
