Magnetorheological characterization of carbonyl iron based suspension stabilized by fumed silica

Magnetorheological (MR) fluids using carbonyl iron (CI) particles (CI-MR)were prepared and then their flow behaviors were investigated in terms of the internal structure formation by a precise control of external magnetic fields. We also prepared the CI-MR fluid with the addition of fumed silica to enhance stabilization of the MR fluid, and compared their overall theological properties and sedimentation characteristics with those of CI-MR fluid using a rotational rheometer equipped with a magnetic field generator. It was found that added fumed silica inhibited sedimentation of the MR fluid. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.