Chain aggregate structure in polydisperse ferrofluids: different applications

The theory of particle association in chains in dilute ferrofluids is generalized to the case of polydisperse systems. The chain shortening caused by the small particles sticking to the edges of chains formed by large particles that was earlier discovered theoretically is proved by the recent computer simulations and the comparison between theoretical and computer predictions is presented. The application of the developed model to the description of magnetic birefringence phenomena and magnetoviscous effect shows an encouraging agreement with experimental data. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.