Field-induced flocculation on biocompatible magnetic colloids

Field dependence of the optical transmission of a polyaspartic-coated magnetite magnetic fluid dispersed in water was investigated at different particle volume fractions. The particle size distribution of the sample was obtained from the analysis of the transmission electron microscopy pictures. The transmissivity decreased increasing the magnetic field until a critical field is achieved. Above this value, the opposite effect was observed. Indeed, the critical field decreases the higher the particle volume fraction being in qualitative similarity with phase separation behavior. However, the origin of the effect is attributed to the precipitation of field-induced nanoparticle chains. These phenomena might be useful on obtaining one-dimensional nanoparticle arrangements. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.