China Neodymium And Ferrite Magnets Manufacturer & Supplier 
Do magnets lose their magnetism properties in water? This is a question that many people are curious about. In fact, magnets do not immediately lose their magnetic properties in water, but their ability to retain their magnetic properties is indeed affected by a variety of factors. Below is a detailed explanation.
First, from a material perspective, different types of magnets exhibit significant variations in stability when submerged in water. Neodymium iron boron magnets are a highly powerful type of rare earth magnet, but their primary weakness lies in their susceptibility to oxidation. If neodymium magnets lack proper protective coatings (such as nickel plating, epoxy resin, or zinc plating), prolonged immersion in water—especially water containing salts or acidic/alkaline substances—can trigger corrosion reactions, leading to surface peeling, internal structural damage, and subsequent weakening or loss of magnetic properties. In contrast, samarium cobalt magnets exhibit superior corrosion resistance, maintaining stable magnetic properties even when used in water for extended periods. As a result, they are widely employed in specialized environments such as marine and aerospace applications.
Rare earth neodymium magnets in water
Secondly, water quality is also crucial. Pure water has almost no corrosive effect on magnets, but if it contains minerals, chloride ions, or industrial wastewater, it may accelerate the oxidation and corrosion process of magnets. In particular, salt water destroys neodymium magnets much faster than fresh water.
Next, let's consider the time factor. Short-term immersion of magnets in water, such as during cleaning or momentary contact during operation, generally does not cause significant effects. However, if magnets are exposed to water for extended periods, especially those without protective coatings, magnetic degradation is inevitable.
Lastly, temperature should not be overlooked. Higher water temperatures accelerate chemical reactions and promote the oxidation process of magnets, particularly in industrial cooling water or hot water applications, which can significantly impact magnet lifespan.
In summary, whether a magnet loses its magnetic properties in water depends on various factors. If the magnet has a protective coating, the water is clean, and the immersion time is short, its magnetic properties will remain largely unaffected. Conversely, if the magnet is unprotected neodymium and is immersed in corrosive water for an extended period, magnetic degradation or complete loss of functionality is inevitable. Therefore, in practical applications, the appropriate type of magnet should be selected based on the environment, and necessary protective measures should be taken.
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