Magnetic-field effect on the rheological properties of strontium ferrite suspensions

The effect of a magnetic field and surfactants on the rheological properties of strontium ferrite suspensions has been studied. An applied magnetic field is shown to raise the suspension viscosity, which is attributable to the formation of three-dimensional chain structures made up of ferrite particles. After the magnetic field is removed, these structures do not fully break down, which leads to hysteretic behavior of the suspension viscosity. The introduction of polyelectrolytes reduces the viscosity of the suspension both in a magnetic field and after the field is removed. This is due to the formation of an electrical double layer on the particle surface, which reduces interparticle friction and the strength of the three-dimensional structures. The results of this study may be useful in devising processes for enhancing the texture and density of highly anisotropic strontium ferrite materials produced by wet pressing.