Magnetorheology of Multiwalled Nanotube Dispersions in Mineral Oil

The magnetorheological (MR) effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) was investigated. Three concentrations of MWNT were dispersed in mineral oil (0.5, 1.5 and 2.53 vol% nanotubes). Rheological investigations were conducted on a magnetorheological cell coupled to a controlled stress rheometer. Oscillatory tests and rotational tests were conducted. A sinuisoidal strain between 0 and 1 with a frequency of 1 Hz was applied and the stress amplitude measured for 0, 171 and 343 kA/m magnetic field strengths. Linear viscoelasticity was determined to exist at strains less than 5%. Dynamic frequency sweeps were conducted at a strain of 1% between 0 and 100 radians/s. A crossover from viscous to elastic behavior was observed for some concentrations. The crossover frequency decreased with field strength as well as with concentration of MWNT. Rotational tests were conducted between shear rates of 0 to 100/s. All dispersions had a zero shear yield stress indicative of Bingham behavior. A magnetosweep was conducted by keeping the strain within the linear viscoelastic region at a frequency of 1 Hz and ramping the magnetic field strength from 0 to 343 kA/m. The results indicate that MWNT show MR behavior.