Dimorphic magnetorheological fluid with improved rheological properties

A type of dimorphic magnetorheological (MR) fluid was prepared by adding wire-like iron nanostructures into the conventional carbonyl iron based MR fluid. The Fe nanowires were synthesized through reducing Fe2+ ion with excessive sodium borohydride in aqueous solution. The rheological behaviors of the dimorphic MR fluids were measured with a rotational rheometer and the sedimentation properties were also studied in this work. It was found that the Fe wires additives can greatly enhance the stress strength of the dimorphic MR fluids comparing with the conventional MR fluids. The sedimentation of the dimorphic MR fluids was also mitigated greatly.

► Dimorphic MR fluids with enhanced MR effect were prepared.
► Fe nanowires and spherical carbonyl iron particles show a synergistic effect on improving the performance of MR fluid.
► Sedimentations of the dimorphic MR fluids were mitigated greatly.