Determination of the structure of magnetite particles in a ferrofluid by the small angle neutron scattering method

B. Grabeev - M. Balasoiu - D. Bica - A. I. Kuklin

Abstract
Using the contrast variation method in a small angle scattering experiment with unpolarized neutrons, the inference from scattered intensity of the separate contributions of nuclear and magnetic interactions has been achieved. The nuclear scattering reveals the structure and extent of surfactant layer which is only partially occupied and is penetrated by the carrier liquid. The magnetic scattering is consistent with models presuming the existence of a nonmagnetic shell at the surface of the magnetite particle. Figs. 3, refs 18.