Ferrofluid is a liquid that reacts to magnets. It’s safe and easy to use, even in the comfort of your own home. This means that it’s a great STEM project for scouts, homeschooled kids and science fair projects. It also is just plain fun to play around with, and makes a great desk toy when you keep it in a jar. And while the name sounds technical, it’s easier to get than you might think. If you’re wondering "Where can I buy ferrofluid?"—you’re in the right place.
What Is Ferrofluid?
Ferrofluid is a unique liquid that is made of tiny magnetic particles suspended in a carrier liquid. This is usually oil-based, but sometimes water-based. It’s also not uncommon to see oil-based ferrofluid suspended in water.
While ferrofluid has some industrial applications, like sealing and damping in electronic devices, most people who know about it have seen it as the star of a science display. When exposed to magnetic fields, it makes dynamic spikes and interesting shapes, and so it is a great tool to show the strength and limits of magnetic fields.
Where Can You Buy Ferrofluid?
Because ferrofluid is safe, stable, and stores well, many science supply shops (like us!) stock it. Buying it from a dedicated science supply shop ensures a high-quality, reactive product. And you can typically buy the strong magnet used to activate it at the same place; some shops even bundle the ferrofluid and the magnet together in a kit.
Can You Make Ferrofluid at Home?
Yes, you can make ferrofluid at home. There are many ways to do this, and it’s not as simple as just mixing iron filings in oil. You'll need fine iron oxide powder, a carrier fluid such as mineral oil or baby oil, and a surfactant like oleic acid to prevent the iron particles from clumping together.
But while you can make ferrofluid at home, it’s often less expensive and less difficult to simply buy it outright. That way you know it’s mixed correctly and has the right ratios of ingredients. Also, making ferrofluid has the potential to become extremely messy. The carrier liquid is very likely to stain carpets, so if you do try to make ferrofluid at home, make sure it’s an outside project.
How Much Is Ferrofluid?
Ferrofluid is usually inexpensive. The components are siple, readily available, and not expensive. It’s also easy to manufacture and is made in large quantities. For a home science project, you will likely only need a small amount, and shouldn’t expect to spend more than $10-$20 for the quantity you need.
