Modeling of particles orientation in magnetic field in drying magnetic coatings

Abstract Filament coating is studied as a model of magnetic tape manufacturing. Freshly coated filament is driven through a solenoid magnet which orients particles. After drying the coated filament, its squareness is measured as a function of the magnet position, field and the filament speed during coating. Production and model mixes are tested, which differ in dispersion quality and drying rate. A mean-field model is used to describe orientation of particles in the coating. The model fits experiments with two parameters: particles mobility and a mean-field interaction coefficient. Well dispersed kneaded mix has higher mobility and weaker interactions than non-kneaded mixes. The model well agrees with the data for squareness decay with magnet separation from the mix deposition point, thereby providing a theoretical tool for finding proper magnet position on the production coating lines.