The effects of magnetic felds on the properties of ferrofluids and ferrogels

Ph. J. Camp

School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, United Kingdom

Abstract
The effects of magnetic fields on the properties of ferrofluids and ferrogels are examined using computer simulations. Simple microscopic models capture the essential characteristics of magnetic nanoparticles and the suspending medium (fluid or gel). Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations of these models yield macroscopic properties in good agreement with experiment and simultaneously offer unique insights on the microscopic organisation of the particles. Two illustrations are given: the determination of particle-size polydispersity in a ferrofluid using the magnetisation curve, and the mechanical anisotropies of ferrogels induced by uniform magnetic fields. Figs 2, Refs 10.