Bidisperse magnetorheological fluids utilizing composite polypyrrole nanotubes/magnetite nanoparticles and carbonyl iron microspheres

Abstract Conductive polypyrrole nanotubes were synthesized with a two-step one-pot synthesis. During synthesis, the nanotubes were decorated with magnetite nanoparticles at different concentrations granting them magnetic properties. The characterization of the tubes revealed differences from the theoretical reactions. A bidisperse magnetorheological fluid (MRF) was prepared by mixing the composite polypyrrole nanotubes/magnetite nanoparticles with commercial carbonyl iron spherical microparticles in silicone oil. The rheological properties of the bidisperse system were studied under the presence of magnetic field at room and elevated temperature. An enhancement of the MR effect with the presence of the nanotubes was observed when compared with a standard MRF consisted only of magnetic microparticles. Due to the faster magnetic saturation of the nanotubes, this enhancement is exceptionally high at low magnetic fields. The stability of the system is studied under dynamic conditions where it is revealed that the nanotubes keep the standard particles well dispersed with the sedimentation improving by more than 50%.