Researchers from Aalto University and Paris Tech have placed water droplets containing magnetic nanoparticles on strong water repellent surfaces and have made them align in various static and dynamic structures using periodically oscillating magnetic fields. This is the first time researchers have demonstrated reversible switching between static and dynamic self-assembly.
'We are conducting this line of research because it opens up a way to create new responsive and intelligent systems and materials,' said Dr. Robin Ras of Aalto University, Finland.
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Ref: Switchable Static and Dynamic Self-Assembly of Magnetic Droplets on Superhydrophobic Surfaces | Science, 2013; 341 (6143): 253 | DOI:10.1126/science.1233775
Dynamic and static self-assembling switching observed - The foundations of the Age of Magnetism
