ER Suspensions of Sulfonated Poly(Styrene-CO-Divinylbenzene) Particles

Abstract

Two ER suspensions (ERF1 and ERF2) containing highly sulfonated poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) particles (ERP) were newly prepared. The ERP concentration was 20 wt% in ERF1 and 40 wt% in ERF2. The ER properties of the suspensions were investigated in view of applications to practical devices. The investigated properties were zero-field viscosity, dispersion stability, induced shear stress, current density, response time, shear rate and temperature dependence of the induced shear stress and current density, response time, shear rate and temperature dependence of the induced shear stress and the current density. electrical durability. In the results, it was found that ERF1 and ERF2 had a very high potential for practical applicatons. The remarkable characteristic of ERF1 was the very low zero-field viscosity of 35 mPa·s at 25°C. The remarkable characteristic of ERF2 was very large induced shear stress and under applying DC 4 kV/mm at 25°C, the induced shear stress was 5.1 kPa. As an application example, the ERFs can be efficiently used for an ER Cutting Machine incorporating variable speed rodless cylinders. The machine has worked smoothly for one and a half years, although the characteristic of control slightly changed.