Objective The project is concerned with the development of ultrastable colloidal dispersions of magnetic particles in perfluoropolyether carrier liquids and of new devices based on these materials. Its aim is to provide the basis for a new class of magnetic fluids having significant benefits with respect to the ferrofluid available from conventional materials. The novel systems will take advantage oc chemical inertness, thermal stability, immiscibility and low pressure of the perfluoropolyethers. The project is concerned with the development of ultrastable colloidal dispersions of magnetic particles in perfluoropolyether carrier liquids and of new devices based on these materials. Its aim is to provide the basis for a new class of magnetic fluids taking advantage of chemical inertness, thermal stability, immiscibility and low vapour pressure of the perfluoropolyethers. The research involves the development of surfactants compatible with the carriers and able to stabilise ultrafine magnetic particles. All components are prepared and characterised by the most advanced technologies available to date. An alternative route for the preparation in situ of dispersions is examined. The dispersions are characterized for their physicochemical behaviour and their performance is tested in a sealing device, specifically designed for vacuum technologies.A range of perfluoropolyether (PFPE) magnetic fluids has been obtained and proved to operate in rotary seals without any loss of performance over prolonged and severe tests. 2 types have reached a commercial quality and can be produced in sufficient quantities to allow exploitation. Ferrofluids have been developed on a laboratory scale and their testing is in progress.The PFPE ferrofluids are fully usable in sealing applications, as established over a range of device operating conditions. They outweigh the conventional magnetic fluids in a safety critical environment, while performing similarly to hydrocarbon systems of similar magnetization. The results provide a sound basis for the exploitation plans.Considering all the items developed to date, the perceived advantage over commercially available products mostly relies on a favourable cost to performance ratio. The developed systems and technology are expected shortly to become of commercial interest.The research will involve the development surfactants compatible with the carriers and able to stabilise ultrafine magnetic particles. All components will be prepared and characterized by the most advanced technologies available to date. An alternative route for the preparation in-situ of dispersions is to be examined. The dispersions will be characterized for their physico-chemical behaviour and their performance will be tested in devices. Data generated will then feed back into the optimization studies. The result will be a range of ferrofluids with enhanced properties which will enable the design and evaluation of prototype devices having a wide range of uses in specialized engineering applications. A European source of high quality materials will be the result of the future industrial development of the achievements of the project. Fields of science natural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryhydrocarbons Programme(s) FP2-BRITE/EURAM 1 - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the fields of industrial manufacturing technologies and advanced materials applications (BRITE/EURAM), 1989-1992 Topic(s) Data not available Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme Data not available Coordinator Montefluos SpA EU contribution No data Address Via S. Pietro 50 20021 Bollate Milano Italy See on map Total cost No data Participants (4) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all Advanced Fluid Systems Ltd United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address 5 The Carronades SO2 0AA Southampton See on map Total cost No data Koordinierungs-und Abwicklungsstelle der Institute der Ehemaligen Akademie der Wissenschaften der DDR Germany EU contribution No data Address Rudower Chaussee 5 1199 BERLIN See on map Total cost No data Liquids Research United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address LL33 ODB Llanfairfechan See on map Total cost No data University of Wales, Bangor United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address LL57 2DG Bangor See on map Total cost No data
