Abstract
The magnetic separations offer unique possibilities for the simple, effective and rapid preconcentration of various analytes in many cases and considered as an attractive technique of removing metal ions from aqueous solutions. It is applicable in specific purification of proteins, cells, and other bio-molecules without exposing them to harmful chemical and physical treatment. Also, the magnetic solid-liquid phase separation has become one of the most important strategies in treatment of hazardous wastes. Although the efficiency of other trends, as strategies in treatment of hazardous waste for both organic and inorganic ingredients, the applicability of these trends over large-scale utilization, especially in developing countries, are limited by either the expensive economic cost or the light advanced technology demanded. From this point of view, separations based on magnetic technologies is one of the most important trends in processing the hazardous wastes, isolation and detection of bio-molecules in life sciences, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, drug discovery,..etc.
The magnetic properties of the materials applied in magnetic separations play a significant role in its applications. These materials have a wide field of high technological applications. Magnetic resins represent an important part of these materials due to their easily separation from the medium using a magnetic field instead of centrifugation methods. The polymeric magnetic composite have been used in different fields as: biomolecular separation, water and wastewater treatment, desalination, color imaging, and information storage.
This chapter concerns with the magnetic separations and outlines the magnetic classification and properties of materials. It specifies the principal of magnetic separation and contains a brief account on the magnetic generations and separators. The techniques of magnetic separations especially the solid phase separations are also reported. The magnetic composites: their composition, preparation and applications are highlighted with a case of study. Finally, the major applications of this technology are mentioned.