Creating Homemade Ferrofluid: Choosing the Right Solvent and Preventing Stains

AI Thread Summary
To create homemade ferrofluid, MICR toner can be mixed with either vegetable oil or kerosene, with discussions highlighting the differences in their properties. A suggestion was made to use 70% ethanol and 30% water for storage, though concerns were raised about the oil in the ferrofluid potentially dissolving in ethanol. To prevent stains on glass bottles, mineral oil is recommended due to its stability and lack of odor. Iron powder can also be used to make ferrofluid without the risk of oxidation in oil. Proper mixing and storage techniques are essential to avoid issues during the process.
itoero
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I ordered MICR toner powder and want to make a ferromagnetic fluid and keep it in a bottle.

-First I need to make the ferrofluid.
I mix MICR toner with vegetable oil (or oleic acid) or kerosene.
Which of the two should I use?
What's the difference?

-I will put the ferrofluid in water.
On YouTube I saw a video in which someone used 70% ethanol/30% water.
Doesn't the oil of the ferrofluid solve in ethanol?

-How can I prevent stains from the ferrofluid on the glass of the bottle?

-Can I use iron powder to make the ferrofluid?

I hope someone can help me. I don't want to mess it up.:smile:
 
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itoero said:
I mix MICR toner with vegetable oil (or oleic acid) or kerosene.

I don't know about your other questions, but mineral oil does not spoil or smell bad, nor is it particularly flammable.
 
Nor would iron powder oxidize inside of an oil.
 

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