is there an alloy that will be attracted to an electromagnetic but will not hold any residual magnetism?

[John Cuthber]

The quick research revealed that you would need to have either Fe, Ni, or Co in the mixture to get yourself a magnetic alloy. Otherwise, they will be not attracted by a magnet. Also, you can check for some information about alloys here

http://www.americanspecialmetals.com/hastelloyb-3.html

didn't have much time to browse through it and find what I needed, buy maybe you will have more luck.

 

Cheers!

Slightly less quick research would show that you don't need Fe, Ni or Co.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heusler_alloy

There are others

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Ferromagnetic_materials

[Enthalpy]

...you would need to have either Fe, Ni, or Co in the mixture to get yourself a magnetic alloy.

Ferromagnetism is a molecular property, not an atomic one. Zn-Mn ferrites are ferromagnetic and used daily in electronics. Austenitic stainless stell is essentially non-magnetic.

[jusconst]

I am not sure if anyone else has mentioned this, but I know ferromagnetic fluid might be something to consider. I have dealt with the particles in the lab I used to work in. There are different ways of making it, but it is basically iron nanoparticles. You can check out more in this educational and somewhat entertaining video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL8R8SfuXp8

[Mr Monkeybat]

If want a magnet configuration that attracts but maintains an air gap here is one. Magnetic levitation without superconductors.