Scientists at the University of Bristol (UK) have dissolved iron salts in a liquid to create a new soap that can be controlled by magnets . The discovery could be used to make revolutionary household and industrial cleaning products, as well as to remove oil slicks from the oceans and to treat polluted waters , among other applications.
To make the magnetic soap, researcher Julian Eastoe and his colleagues dissolved the iron in a liquid soap rich in chlorine and bromine , similar to that used in mouthwash products or fabric softeners. Traditional soap dissolves dirt, grease, and other chemicals, but does not remove them from the environment. However, by applying a magnetic field to the magnetic soap, the debris that accumulates can be attracted and completely removed.
Although Eastoe had already tried creating light, temperature and pressure sensitive soaps, this new magnet method appears to be the most effective for controlled cleaning of any medium or surface, simply by turning the magnets on or off.
