Magnetic-field-tuned Insulator to Conductor Transition in Magnetorheological Suspension

Magnetorheological suspensions (MRSs) are smart materials that have the potential to revolutionize several industrial sectors because of their special rheological behaviors. In this paper, MRS, based on carbonyl iron (CI) microparticles that were dispersed in silicone oil with oleic acid, were prepared. We showed that the electroconductibility of MRS was significantly influenced by the intensity of the external magnetic field that was applied. The resistance value can vary from infinite to below $300{\Omega}$ after applying an external magnetic field. The results indicated that this MRS had the property of magnetic-field-tuned insulator to conductor transition. This system has potential applications in controllable MRS electrical devices.