Can Ferrofluid Be Used as a Lubricant for Magnets and PVC Pipes?

[mrtnelson8]

can I use ferrolfluid as a lubricant between a cylindrical neodymium magnet and a pvc pipe that the magnet fits snugly in(still will move back and forth in the pipe but does experience a little friction)?

 

[MagnetDave]

Why would you want to? Realize that "ferrofluid" is a suspension of magnetic particles in oil, and that we have a simple version for lubrication called "oil" that you can get in pretty much any viscosity that you want.

 

[sophiecentaur]

I should imagine that the ferromagnetic particles in the fluid could cause abrasion. This could be relevant in the long term.

 

[Danger]

Am I the only one here who is thinking "high-tech condom"?

 

[sophiecentaur]

That's a different sort of attraction.

 

[Danger]

That's a different sort of attraction.

What! No, wait a minute here! That is so totally not true! It wouldn't count anyhow, because I was drunk. Besides, you can't believe anything that damned muskrat says; she'd do anything for half a gram.