Purdue Researchers Invent Ferropaper, an Inexpensive Ferrous Material

March 2, 2010
Purdue researchers invent Ferropaper, an inexpensive ferrous material.
Purdue University, www.purdue.edu

Researchers at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., impregnated a piece of ordinary paper with a mix of mineral oil and nanoparticles of iron oxide. The result, dubbed Ferropaper, can be moved using a magnetic field, possibly making it useful in speakers, tweezers capable of moving a single-cell, low-cost micromotors for surgical instruments, and other applications. To make Ferropaper more durable, the researchers coated it with a biocompatible plastic film to make it water resistant and prevent the mineral oil and iron oxide mix from evaporating. The film also improves mechanical properties such as stiffness, strength, and elasticity.

Researchers made a small cantilever out of the new paper which moved or vibrated in a magnetic field. This could bring inexpensive alternatives to current cantilever actuators made from silicon, an expensive process that requires clean-room facilities.

Sponsored Recommendations

April 16, 2025
Clean. Compact. Less heat.
April 16, 2025
SEW-EURODRIVE Introduces DR2C motor, IE5 Ultra-Premium Efficiency Motor
March 31, 2025
Unlike passive products - made of simple carbon springs - the bionic prostheses developed by Revival Bionics are propulsive, equipped with a motor and an artificial Achilles tendon...
March 31, 2025
Electric drives are a key technology for the performance of machines, robots, and power tools. Download this guide for an introduction to high-quality mechatronic drive systems...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!