In this study, based on the characteristics of the rod matrix and the dentate plate magnetic matrix, the thread magnetic matrix is proposed. The numerical simulation technology and model test are utilized to analyze the magnetic field distribution characteristics of the thread magnetic matrix and the effects of structure parameters on magnetic field distribution characteristics are investigated. Firstly, the numerical simulation results indicate that the magnetic induction intensity on the sharp corner of the magnetic matrix is higher, which is inferred to be the magnetic particle adsorption zone, while the valley portion is inferred to be the magnetic particle exclusion zone owing to the low magnetic induction intensity comparing to the sharp corner. Besides, the suitable sharp angle of the magnetic matrix is 60 degrees owing to the high magnetic field force and wide magnetic particle adsorption area and the magnetic particle exclusion zone on the valley region of the threaded magnetic matrix gradually shrink with the increase of the thread pitch and the appropriate thread pitch of the threaded magnetic matrix is 1.0 mm owing to the high magnetic field force. Moreover, the results of the model test indicate that the numerical simulation results are basically consistent with the measured results which prove the numerical simulation results are credible. Furthermore, the adsorption morphology of magnetic particles demonstrates that the magnetic particles are adsorbed on the sharp corner and the magnetic particle exclusion zone in the valley region gradually shrink with the increase of the thread pitch. These results further indicate the inference which the sharp corner of threaded matrix is the adsorption zone of the magnetic particle, while the valley region is the exclusion zone is correct. This study has certain guiding significance for the development of new type magnetic matrices and the application of high gradient magnetic separation technology. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.