ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Yes, if it's the same one that is in the small glass vials, then it is a
special formulation of a ferrofluid along with a mixture of Isopropyl
Alcohol and water.  Most ferrofluids won't work in this manner.  The
ferrofluid that works in this manner is Ferrotec's DFH1 formulation.  The
ferrofluid is a bit problematic - I thought it wouldn't react (fall out of
solution) to borosilicate glass that was sealed with silicone and I was
wrong - it does.  The material you use to seal the fluid in is pretty
critical as is the alcohol to water ratio (you have to keep it at 1:1).
I've tried using non-borosilicate tempered glass to contain the mixture and
the ferrofluid stained the glass.  I've never tried using it with clear
plastics.  Good luck.


My contact for them was:

Charlene Mack
Customer Service
Ferrotec (USA) Corporation
Tel: 603-598-7280
Fax: 603-598-9807

William Katzman
Director of Exhibits         
Catawba Science Center
(828) 322-8169 x307
"The Magic of Learning, the Science of Fun" 
Now Renting Out
Dinosaurs! (3,000 sq. ft. only $25k)
Body Carnival (2250 sq. ft. only $15k)
Maze Mania (3,000 sq. ft. only $7.5k)
http://www.catawbascience.org/on-exhibit.htm


-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Becky Matthews
Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2008 12:21 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Ferrofluid display cells

ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
****************************************************************************
*

Does anyone know what liquid is in the unextruded soda bottles along
with ferrofluid in the "ferrofluid display cells?" These are available
at Educational Innovations for $38.50 each.  We need a number of them
for a new program.  Smaller glass vials are available for $20 each, but
we do not want to use glass.

Thanks,
Becky

Becky Fox Matthews
Senior Educator/Special Projects Manager
Adventure Science Center
800 Ft. Negley Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37203
voice: 615-401-5073

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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

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