Fabrication of spherical Fe3O4 particles with a solvothermal method and their magnetorheological characteristics

Spherical Fe3O4 particles were synthesized with a solvothermal method and assessed as a potential magnetorheological (MR) material. Their morphology, chemical structure, crystal structure, and magnetic properties were measured with scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and a vibrating sample magnetometer, respectively. The MR characteristics of the Fe3O4 particles were investigated with rotational rheometry under an external magnetic field. When the spherical Fe3O4 particles were dispersed in silicone oil, the MR fluid exhibited typical Bingham plastic behavior, changing from a liquid-like to a solid-like state.