A system for fabricating anisotropic magnetic nanowire composites includes a chamber for containing an ionic fluid. A hole in a wall of the chamber allows for the ionic fluid to be in contact with a porous template outside of the chamber, and a cathode and an anode provide an electric field across the ionic fluid and porous template. The electric field causes ionic materials in the ionic fluid to migrate into the pores of the porous template, therefore plating nanowires in the porous template. Constant distances and positions of the anode, cathode, a reference probe, and a stirring element allow for the fabrication of longer, more uniform nanowires, and for the generation of consistent magnetic nanowire composites across multiple fabrication sessions.

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a rodlike magnetic ferroferric oxide (Fe.sub.3O.sub.4) material and use thereof. The preparation includes the following steps: step 1: magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticle preparation; and step 2: self-assembly of magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles into a rodlike magnetic material. When in use, the rodlike magnetic Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 material prepared by the process according to claim 1 is used in micro- and nano-motors, which can implement rotation and deflection in an external magnetic field. The present invention provides a process for preparing a rodlike magnetic Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 material. The rodlike magnetic ferroferric oxide material prepared by the process is suitable for mass production on an industrial scale, featuring identifiable direction of the magnetic moment, strong magnetism, good magnetic response, simple process, and low cost.

Holders for nanofiber sheets that can reduce the probability of damage to a nanofiber sheet during transport, handling, or experimental preparation are described. These holders can improve the convenience with which nanofiber sheets can be manipulated. Holders generally include two features: an outer case and a clamp disposed within the outer case. The clamp, which can be embodied in any of a variety of ways, mounts to a peripheral edge at one or more locations on the nanofiber sheet. The nanofiber sheet is held fixed in place within the outer case and is suspended within the chamber defined by the outer case and the client.

A composite magnetic body with high permeability and low magnetic loss in a high-frequency region of a gigahertz band; and a high-frequency electronic component using the same, the electronic component being compact and having low-insertion loss. This composite magnetic body has a high permeability and a low magnetic loss especially in a high-frequency region of a gigahertz band, and is provided with: a plurality of magnetic nanowires 361-363 aligned so as not to cross each other; and insulators 365-367 that electrically insulate the plurality of magnetic nanowires 361-363.

A magnetic micro-particle (201) comprising one or more magnetic nano-wires (202).

The present invention provides a ferromagnetic metal nanowire dispersion having an excellent dispersibility, from which a ferromagnetic metal nanowire film having an excellent electrical conductivity can be made. The present invention relates to a ferromagnetic metal nanowire dispersion comprising a ferromagnetic metal nanowire and a polymer compound.

Disclosed are functional materials for use in additive manufacturing (AM). The functional material can comprise an elastomeric composition (e.g., a silicone composite) for use in, for example, direct ink writing. The elastomeric composition can include an elastomeric resin, and a magnetic nanorod filler dispersed within the elastomeric resin. Nanorod characteristics (e.g., length, diameter, aspect ratio) can be selected to create 3D-printed constructs with desired mechanical properties along different axes. Furthermore, since nickel nanorods are ferromagnetic, the spatial distribution and orientation of nanorods within the continuous phase can be controlled with an external magnetic field. This level of control over the nanostructure of the material system offers another degree of freedom in the design of functional parts and components with anisotropic properties. Magnetic fields can be used to remotely sense compression of the constructs, or alternatively, control the stiffness of these materials.

In various embodiments magnetically actuated liquid crystals are provided as well as method of manufacturing such, methods of using the liquid crystals and devices incorporating the liquid crystals. In one non-limiting embodiment the liquid crystals comprise Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 nanorods where the nanorods are coated with a silica coating.

Magnetic nanocomposites are disclosed with aligned, rod-shaped, rare-earth-free and Pt-free metal domains in a rigid, non-metallic matrix. In some variations, the invention provides a magnetic nanocomposite comprising metallic nanorods dispersed within a continuous and rigid non-metallic matrix. The nanorods have an average nanorod length-to-width ratio of at least 2. The nanorods are alignable and may be aligned in one axial direction with magnetic or mechanical forces. Some variations provide a method of forming a magnetic nanocomposite, comprising: dispersing metal oxide nanorods into a hardenable non-metallic material; thermally or chemically reducing the metal oxide nanorods to form magnetic metallic nanorods; aligning nanorods in one axial direction within the hardenable non-metallic material; and hardening the non-metallic material to form a continuous and rigid non-metallic matrix containing the metallic nanorods.

In various embodiments magnetically actuated liquid crystals are provided as well as method of manufacturing such, methods of using the liquid crystals and devices incorporating the liquid crystals. In one non-limiting embodiment the liquid crystals comprise Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 nanorods where the nanorods are coated with a silica coating.