Electrorheological Device: Electrorheological Behavior of Silicone Oil/Starch Suspensions

Fluids capable of rapid, dramatic and repetitive changes in their rheological properties in the presence of an electric field are known as electrorheological (ER) fluids. In the absence of an electric field, ER fluids are usually in a liquid-like state. As soon as an electric field is applied, the fluid generally becomes solid-like, or at least becomes highly viscous

Electrorheological fluids (ERF) have been successfully used in state-of-the-art automobiles, in damping systems and clutches (Corvette Anniversary Edition 2003). ERF usually consist of particles held in suspension by a non-conducting liquid. The suspending liquid is typically a low-viscosity hydrocarbon or silicone oil. The particles are commonly metal oxides, organic–inorganic aluminosilicates or polymers (2). Sedimentation of the particles is a well-known problem in electrorheology. In order to stabilize the dispersion and avoid sedimentation, the suspended particles should have a lower density than the surrounding liquid. Thus, the behavior of an ERF in an electric field depends strongly on its composition (3). The Electrorheological Device (ERD) from Anton Paar (see Figure 1) is a special accessory for the MCR rheometer series. The ERD can provide voltage from 0 V to 12,500 V, and can be set constant or as a voltage ramp. To enable measurements at low and high temperatures, a special ERD adaption is also available to be used with the CTD. The electric field is thereby applied to a plate-plate measuring system (PP) via a window contact featuring two springs. An additional safety switch ensures a break in the circuit, in case the CTD is opened. For investigation of an ERF’s structural behavior, a special ERD adaption can be combined with the microscope option. In this report, we examine the electrorheological behavior of silicone oil/starch suspensions using the ERD with a PTD, as well as the ERD for the CTD. It is a useful sample for demonstrating the performance of the ERD.

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