Ferromagnetism

Ferromagnetism is a phenomenon by which a material can exhibit a spontaneous magnetization, and is one of the strongest forms of magnetism. It is responsible for most of the magnetic behavior encountered in everyday life and, along with ferrimagnetism, is the basis for all permanent magnets (as well as the metals that are noticeably attracted to them).

Unusual ferromagnetism

In 2004, it was reported that a certain allotrope of carbon, nanofoam, exhibited ferromagnetism. The effect dissipates after a few hours at room temperature, but lasts longer at cold temperatures. The material is also a semiconductor. It is thought that other similarly formed materials, of boron and nitrogen, may also be ferromagnetic.

Related Topics:
Allotrope - Carbon - Nanofoam - Semiconductor

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The alloy ZnZr2 is also ferromagnetic below 28.5 K.

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