Applications Of Ferro Fluid

Ferro fluid is a combination of water or liquid solvent and very small particles of magnetic elements like iron, nickel, cobalt, or zinc. Due to residual magnetism, these tiny particles never get settled in the fluid as they move within the suspension randomly. A phenomenon, “Brownian motion”, explains this random movement. Initially, Ferro fluid looks like oil but it becomes a totally new substance when you expose it to a magnetic field. While reacting to a magnet, Ferro fluid happens to flow and form tentacle-like appendages and spikes. Though it is funny to watch all this, but it has various practical applications as well. Filler in computer hard drives is a common example of the use of this substance. These fantastic magnetized liquid has various other applications in medical, industrial and scientific field.

Ferrofluid has wide usage in industrial equipments because the friction between powerful magnets within the machinery is reduced to a large extent by Ferro fluid. It works like a lubricant giving the magnets restrained movement on hard surfaces. This is the main reason why it is used in MRI machines which are used by doctors for making patient’s diagnostic images. Unlike conventional x-ray technique, an MRI is capable of producing images of tissue, which enables physicians to view and find out lesions, tumors, and organs and muscle injury.

Researches are undergoing for creating medical treatments with the use of fluid. When you expose Ferro fluid to a magnetic field, heat is generated by the tiny particles used in the fluid. Malignant tumor cells can be destroyed using the heat of this fluid. According to theory, if magnetized, the tiny particles which produce heat can help in minimizing cancer lesion. In certain cases, this kind of treatment which is also called magnetic hyperthermia can prove to be useful for effective working of chemotherapy. Experiments are being conducted with the treatment all over the world but only German scientists have carried out trials on human beings.

“Smart fluid” is another type of Ferro fluid. Electrortheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR0 are the two varieties which have wide usage. The vibration in industrial components is reduced with the help of smart fluids. Automobile manufacturing fully uses MR fluid especially in break suspension. In the year 2002, this fluid was first used by Cadillac in the Seville STS model. Audi models that have alike fluids are also available which are used in break suspension. Smart fluids are also commonly used in home appliances like washing machines and air conditioners. Even components for rocket ships and spaces ships use smart fluids. Studies are underway to use MR fluid as shock absorbers for buildings in earthquake areas. Such a device has already been installed in one of Tokyo's renowned science museums.


Besides being used to teach magnetism for kids in schools since years, Ferro fluid has wide applications nowadays. It is widely used in large machinery to ensure smooth and safe movement of parts. Ferro fluid is also useful to the doctors in diagnostic scans for cancer patients. The fluid is commonly used in computers, car brakes and household machinery to offer safety to the people besides saving money on frequent repairs. Thus, the fluid has wide applications in various fields and is expected to be used in various other fields in the future.