Core-shell-structured monodisperse copolymer/silica particle suspension and its electrorheological response

Monodisperse core-shell-structured poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate-co-[2-(methacryloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride)/silica (PSBM/SiO₂) nanoparticles were applied as new electrorheological (ER) materials in which the particles were dispersed in an insulating oil. These nanoparticles were prepared by the consecutive precipitation of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and negatively charged tetraethylorthosilicate onto the cationic surfaces of PSBM colloidal particles. The successful deposition of the shell phase of the particles and their morphology was examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Their ER properties were studied with a rotational rheometer under different shear modes: controlled shear rate, steady shear under constant shear rate, and creep test. The silica shell allowed the PSBM/SiO₂ particles to exhibit typical ER performance under an applied electric field. The dielectric spectra of the PSBM/SiO₂-based ER fluid were also recorded using an LCR meter, which was correlated to the ER performance of the ER fluid.