Tribological and rheological tests of core-shell typed carbonyl iron/polystyrene particle-based magnetorheological fluid

Polystyrene (PS) was coated on carbonyl iron (CI) particles via dispersion polymerization to produce core-shell structured CI/PS particles and adopted as magnetorheological (MR) material. Two MR fluids were prepared by dispersing CI/PS and CI particles in silicone oil. Their MR and tribological properties were investigated using a rheometer and a reciprocating friction and wear tester, respectively. Experimental data showed that tribological properties of MR fluid based on CI/PS particles are significantly enhanced compared to those of CI based MR fluid. Sedimentation problem of CI/PS MR fluid was also expected to be improved due to relatively lower density of CI/PS particles.