Externally tunable properties allow for new applications of magnetic hybrid materials containing magnetic micro- and nanoparticles in sensors and actuators in technical and medical applications. By means of easy to generate and control magnetic fields, changes of the internal particle arrangements and the macroscopic properties can be achieved. This monograph delivers the latest insights into multi-scale modelling, experimental characterization, manufacturing and application of those magnetic hybrid materials.

Magnetic control of the properties and the flow of liquids is a challenging field for basic research and for applications. This book is meant to be both an introduction to, and a state-of-the-art review of, this topic. Written in the form of a set of lectures and tutorial reviews, the book addresses the synthesis and characterization of magnetic fluids, their hydrodynamical description and their rheological properties. The book closes with an account of magnetic drug targeting.

Research into the fascinating properties and applications of magnetic fluids - also called ferrofluids - is rapidly growing, making it necessary to provide, at regular intervals, a coherent and tutorial account of the combined theoretical and experimental advances in the field.

This volume is an outgrow of seven years of research by some 30 interdisciplinary groups of scientists: theoretical physicists describing the behaviour of such complex fluids, chemical engineers synthesizing nanosize magnetic particles, experimentalist measuring the fluid properties and mechanical engineers exploring the many applications such fluids offer, in turn providing application-guided feedback to the modellers and requests for the preparation of new fluid types to chemists, in particular those providing optimum response to given magnetic field configurations.

Moreover, recent developments towards biomedical applications widens this spectrum to include medicine and pharmacology.

Consisting of six large chapters on synthesis and characterization, thermo- and electrodynamics, surface instabilities, structure and rheology, biomedical applications as well as engineering and technical applications, this work is both a unique source of reference for anyone working in the field and a suitable introduction for newcomers to the field.

Magnetic control of the properties and the flow of liquids is a challenging field for basic research and for applications. This book is meant to be both an introduction to, and a state-of-the-art review of, this topic. Written in the form of a set of lectures and tutorial reviews, the book addresses the synthesis and characterization of magnetic fluids, their hydrodynamical description and their rheological properties. The book closes with an account of magnetic drug targeting.