The Effect of Spherical Nanoparticles on Rheological Properties of Bi-Dispersed Magnetorheological Fluids

In the present investigation, the rheological properties of bi-dispersed magnetorheological (MR) fluid based on Fe3O4 nanosphere and microsphere of iron particles are experimentally investigated. The MR fluid is prepared by substituting nanosphere of 40nm Fe3O4 particles in MR fluids having microsphere iron particles (7-8 mu m). Three different weight fractions (0%, 1% and 3%) of nanosphere-microsphere MR fluids are synthesized. In the absence of the magnetic field, substitution of magnetic nanosphere decreases the viscosity lower than without substituted sample at high as well as low shear rate. Upon the application of the magnetic field, the particles align along the direction of the field, which promotes the yield stress. Here too the yield stress value decreases with magnetic nanosphere substitution. This behaviour is explain based on the inter-particle interaction as well as formation of nanosphere cloud around the magnetic microsphere, which effectively reduces the viscosity and works as weak point when chains are formed. Variation of dynamic yield stress with magnetic field is explained using microscopic model. In any event such fluid does not sediment and is not abrasive so it could be useful if not too high yield stress is needed.