Magnets Attracted to New Polymer Material

Researchers at the Chalker Research Lab at Flinders University in Australia have created a new material that could be used on a number of products at home, in the classroom, and beyond. Thanks to the makeup of the material, magnets also play a pivotal role in terms of how the substance can be morphed over time.

How it Was Made 

The research team put magnetic iron particles and a sulfur-rich polymer (made from sulfur and an unsaturated plant oil such as canola oil) in a hot press to create the material. Due to the iron, magnets can be used to shape it when the substance is heated up. Since this material is recyclable, researchers say reshaping can take place multiple times.

Dr. Nic Lundquist, lead author of the study and a PhD researcher at Flinders University, says the magnetic composite material was used in several applications. In one, it bound mercury in mine tailings, and the mercury-bound material was then retrieved with a magnet. Going forward, the creation will likely be used for construction materials, robotics, purifying water, and more. The team has even created a solenoid valve, commonly used for the flow of gas and liquids, from this substance. Speaking about all of the material’s possibilities, Dr. Lundquist stated, "I'm very excited about the possible new applications of these polymers and can envision uptake in different fields, from environmental remediation to robotics.” 

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