Ferrofluid - The Magnetic Liquid!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEvVcaEmjjo
A short film I made with materials scientist and science presenter Mark Miodownik demonstrating some of the weird properties of ferrofluid - a liquid with a suspension of ferromagnetic nanoparticles locked within it, causing it to respond to external magnetic fields.
Using a powerful neodymium magnet and a large steel bolt, Mark demonstrates how the fluid behaves in the presence of a strong magnetic field - forming some very strange, but very beautiful patterns. The fluid is pretty messy and has a similar consistency to oil, so it was important to avoid direct contact with the magnet (it would literally coat the magnet and become inseparable) - so the bolt is effectively used to channel the magnetic field and act as a temporary magnet over which to pour the ferrofluid.
Lessons learned from this vid:
- Definitely need a macro lens to get more detail.
- Shoot against a lighter background next time.
- Ferrofluids are cool.
You can learn about more strange materials in Mark's Ri Discourse here and you should also check out his latest project The Institute of Making.