Magnetic dispersions based on ionic liquids: Next generation of magnetic fluids

Magnetic fluids have been prepared by dispersing iron oxide particles in different ionic liquids as novel carriers. The fluids have been characterized by magnetization, magnetorheological and sedimentation measurements, as well as optical microscopy. The obtained results revealed that the rheological properties of the dispersions can be reversibly modified in the presence of a magnetic field. Furthermore, the investigated dispersions have shown a low sedimentation rate without the use of any stabilizing agent, depending mainly on the type of used ionic liquid. The control of the rheological characteristics of these dispersions by means of a magnetic field in combination with the novel properties of different ionic liquids may yield "new and smart" materials for numerous applications including: medical therapies (drug delivery and cancer therapeutic methods), engineering devices (dampers and breaks), and accurate transportation and delivery of substances in multi-phase biological and chemical systems.