Abstract: One aspect of the invention requires an apparatus for forming core-shell magnetic nanoparticles comprising: a magnetic nanoparticle source operable to generate a beam of nanoparticles; at least one shell material source comprising a bore through which the beam of nanoparticles may pass; and at least one controllable magnetic field generator, operable to generate a magnetic field which at least partially surrounds the at least one shell material source, wherein nanoparticles may be received at one end of the shell material source and the movement of the nanoparticles within the bore may be controlled by the controllable magnetic field to be coated by the shell material to specified dimensions, and nanoparticles may leave the other end of the shell material source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic data storage device comprising a data storage medium including a magnetic material, and a write head including an electromagnetic element operable to generate a magnetic field that impinges on a selected portion of the magnetic material of the data storage medium adjacent the write head, so as to affect the magnetization direction of the selected portion of magnetic material. The electromagnetic element includes a magnetic structure including a matrix material, and a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles held in the matrix material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic data storage device comprising a data storage medium including a magnetic material, and a write head including an electromagnetic element operable to generate a magnetic field that impinges on a selected portion of the magnetic material of the data storage medium adjacent the write head, so as to affect the magnetisation direction of the selected portion of magnetic material. The electromagnetic element includes a magnetic structure including a matrix material, and a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles held in the matrix material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing reinforced composite containing fibre in a polymer matrix comprising the steps of: a. heating and drying a natural fibre-containing material in a hot blending chamber; b. sieving the dried natural fibre-containing material to produce a loose, soft and clean natural fibre free of contaminants and unwanted elements; c. shredding the fibre; d. pre-heating the shredded fibre; e. blending polymer, a nitrogen blowing agent a lubricant with the shredded fibre and optionally a coupling agent; and f. heating the blended mixture to the melting point of the polymer. Also provided is a composite produced by the method and a composite comprising a natural fibre-containing material, a polymer, a nitrogen blowing agent, a lubricant and optionally a coupling agent. Various modular constructions and a weighing assembly made from the composite are also provided.