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Magnetic property testing of synthesized solid materials
  • Background
  • What we're looking for
  • What we can offer you
  • Who we are
  • Q&A
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Background

Magnetic catalyst particles are increasingly used to enable efficient recovery and reuse of active materials in industrial and research settings. Once these synthesized solid particles are produced, it is important to evaluate the strength of their ferromagnetic properties. This testing typically involves applying a controlled magnetic field and quantifying the resulting magnetic response or induced force on the particles. These measurements help confirm whether the materials possess sufficient and consistent magnetic behavior for their desired functional use in research or industrial settings.

What we're looking for

We are looking for a partner that has capabilities to determine the strength of the ferromagnetic properties of synthesized solid samples. This requires an existing setup capable of inducing a magnetic field and measuring the additional downward force exerted by the solids in response to that field. Due to the practical considerations of sample shipping and handling, preference will be given to partners based in the United States.

Our must-have requirements are:
  • Existing setup capable of generating a stable magnetic field of roughly 500 gauss using a Helmholtz, Merritt 3, or Ruben 5 coil (or equivalent)
  • Sample container connected to a scale to measure the forces induced on the particles with and without the applied magnetic field
  • Compatible with solid samples <100 g
What's out of scope:
  • Method development, equipment fabrication, or major modification of existing instruments
What we can offer you
Eligible partnership models:
Fee-for-service
Benefits:
Compensation
A budget of up to $5k is available to support the cost of conducting the testing.
Compounds and Reagents
Partners will receive up to 500 g of material.
Who we are

As a global chemical company, we operate in diverse markets with varying requirements. To ensure responsible conduct and maintain our license to operate, we are guided by our core values and standards. These values shape our daily actions and foster respectful relationships with colleagues, customers, and partners.

Our teams are committed to putting health and safety first, making sustainability a part of every decision, and meeting strict compliance and environmental standards. We embrace diversity—in people, perspectives, and experiences—and promote open feedback grounded in honesty, respect, and trust. We see setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve.

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Reviewers
Q&A with BASF

The Q&A is now closed.

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Q.
Do you need to continuously vary the magnetic field from 0 to 500 gauss, or is it sufficient to produce a single, steady field of 500 gauss? What is the estimated magnetic force and desired resolution (in newtons)?
1
A.
This would be a single, steady field of 500 gauss. The estimated magnetic force would be about 0.02 N, and ideally I would want the resolution to be <0.001 N.
PL
Paul Lewandowski, Research Engineer, BASF
November 4, 2025
Is this response helpful?
0
0
A.
A pair of permanent magnets may be a better option than electromagnets in this case. What level of magnetic field variation is acceptable in your application? How many grams of particles would be needed to generate such a 0.02 N magnetic force? Should I expect the magnetic force to vary proportionally to the particles' mass?
1
A.
10% variance in the magnetic field would be acceptable. Depending on the particle properties, greater may be tolerable where noise would not impede the comparison. 100 g of particles would likely generate 0.02 N, and yes the magnetic force should vary proportionally to the mass.
PL
Paul Lewandowski, Research Engineer, BASF
November 4, 2025
Is this response helpful?
0
0
A.
Particles experience a magnetic force only when exposed to a magnetic field gradient. In a uniform, parallel magnetic field, they do not experience a net linear force, although non-spherical particles may experience a torque that tends to align their magnetic moments with the field. Regarding your mention of “ferromagnetic properties,” if you are referring to magnetization (M–H) loops, a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) would be the appropriate instrument for characterization. My lab is equipped with a VSM for such measurements.
3
A.
Yes, the VSM could be a good option.
PL
Paul Lewandowski, Research Engineer, BASF
November 14, 2025
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Is your desired application to have the magnetic catalyst particles dispersed in dilute suspension, and to see their response to an applied magnetic field so that you can collect and/or mix the particles with a magnet?
1
Q.
What is the shape of the particles?
1
A.
Irregular spheres <1 cm
PL
Paul Lewandowski, Research Engineer, BASF
November 18, 2025
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Do the samples to be measured consist of loose particles in dry powder form, dispersed in suspension, or a single-piece solid?
1
A.
The particles would be loose granules.
PL
Paul Lewandowski, Research Engineer, BASF
November 14, 2025
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Do you consider university-based partners from UK, with a capacity to measure the magnetization and blocking temperature of nanoparticles?
1
A.
For ease, we'll only consider US partners.
PL
Paul Lewandowski, Research Engineer, BASF
December 22, 2025
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0
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Analytical ChemistryChemical PhysicsClassical MechanicsElectric Field EffectsElectricalElectrochemistryGeneral ChemistryIndustrial ChemistryInorganic ChemistryInteractions & Forces
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