Magnetic Smart Putty
When iron oxide particles are added to smart putty (also known as silly putty), it turns magnetic. The putty is magnetised by the iron oxides, making it a million times more exciting and fascinating than conventional putty. When magnets come into contact with the putty’s magnetic field, the putty slowly swallows them. The magnets are absorbed because the putty’s magnetic field is strongest in the middle of the blob. The putty gently draws magnets in until they reach the magnetic field’s strongest point.
Components:
- Neodimium Magnet
- Magnetic Smart Putty
Working Principle:
When placed in close proximity to a magnet, the amazing mouldable magnetic putty, which is made of micron-sized iron-based particles scattered throughout, takes on the attributes of a magnet itself.
Silly Putty
Rubber was scarce during World War II, as Japan captured rubber-producing countries.
As a result, the government funded research to produce a rubber alternative.
Rubber was used to make tyres, gas masks, and combat boots.
After combining boric acid and silicone oil in 1943, James Wright is credited with the invention of silly putty.
The consequence of the acid-oil reaction was silly putty, a sticky substance with a variety of qualities. While it was not a good substitute for rubber, silly putty has a higher melting point and may stretch further than rubber. The first time silly putty was sold as a toy was in 1949.
Magnetic Putty
Later on, the substance was discovered to have several further useful applications.
It can be used to remove stains and as an eraser. It was even used by astronauts on the Apollo mission to keep tools in place while in zero gravity. When you add iron oxide to magnetise putty, it becomes even more helpful and interesting. Magnetic putty is also sometimes used underwater to test pipes, platforms, and other structures for damage, according to Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism. Magnetic putty is applied and moulded to the object if it is difficult to access. The iron oxides will then orient themselves along the magnetic field as a result of the application of a magnetic field. It is an effective method of magnetic particle inspection once the magnetic putty is dry and ink is applied.
If you’re interested in learning more about magnetic putty, you can watch cool time-lapse films or buy some and do your own experiments. When you get your hands on magnetic putty, in order for it to swallow magnets, you have to utilise incredibly strong magnets with ferromagnetic qualities.
Instructions:
- Use the magnet to do the “snake charmer” trick.
- Leave the magnet on your ball of putty and watch it completely engulf the magnet in minutes!
Links:
Magnetic Thinking Putty is Crazy Awesome!
Magnetic Putty – So Satisfying To Watch
Everything You Can (and Can’t) Do with Magnetic Putty | VAT19
https://www.scichem.com/product/magnetic-thinking-putty-xmg980010