Electrorheological Particles Composed of Polymer Core with Controlled Diameter and Electro-Conductive/Nonconductive Double Layers Shell

Abstract

Novel electrorheological particles (ERP) consisting of polymer core and electroconductive/nonconductive double layers shell were synthesized. The core was prepared by dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate to control the particle diameter and its distribution. The inner conductive and the outer nonconductive layers were composed of silver and silica, respectively. The ERP was found to form an anhydrous ERF system. ERP with thinner nonconductive layer showed stronger ER effect and higher electric current. ER effect was also increased in inversely proportion to the average diameter of ERP. The number of and the Coulomb interaction between the particles were considered to determine ER effect.