Magnets as a fastener/clasp/velcro alternative

[hidetheelephants]

Simpo Two said:

Hang on, I thought only iron and nickel were magnetic. Presume neodymium is as well... any others? Do we know WHY they are magnetic?

Just remembered that oxygen is paramagnetic. So I was awake in chemistry after all!

Dunno; ask the insane clown posse.

Flibble said:

Simpo Two said:

Hang on, I thought only iron and nickel were magnetic. Presume neodymium is as well... any others? Do we know WHY they are magnetic?

And cobalt, and the other rare earth metals, also some alloys are ferromagnetic (or not) even when the alloying elements aren't (or are). E.g. stainless steel is largely iron and nickel but many types are not ferromagnetic.

RE magnets corrode fairly catastrophically once the protective plating(often nickel) is breached, so probably not suitable for this application.

[ReaderScars]

hidetheelephants said:

RE magnets corrode fairly catastrophically once the protective plating(often nickel) is breached, so probably not suitable for this application.

If this is in reference to the flap on a bag, I think it should be OK as it's likely the magnets will be stitched inside a flap - should give a bit of shock absorption.