Time solved susceptibility spectra of magnetic fluids

Measurements of the frequency (f) and polarizing field (H) dependent complex magnetic susceptibility, chi (f, H)=chi'(f, H)-i chi ''(f, H) of a magnetic fluid over the frequency range 1 kHz to 2 MHz, in various polarizing fields from zero to approximately 7 kA/m are presented. The sample was a commercial magnetic fluid with magnetite particles in isopar-M. Usually, Brownian relaxation time measurements are involved in the investigation of particle agglomeration in magnetic fluids. In some situations the presence of miscellaneous particles may induce erroneous conclusions. The paper shows that over time measurements can solve the problem in giving confirmation of particle agglomeration within magnetic fluids. Measurements performed in a constant polarizing held of, H=7 kA/m, have shown that after 30 min both components of the complex magnetic susceptibility increased and the relaxation peak shifted towards higher frequencies. The phenomenon is correlated to the particle aggregation process and demonstrates that the relaxation peaks are due to the rotation of small aggregates. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.