Synthesis and Magnetorheological Characterization of Magnetite Nanoparticle and Poly(Vinyl Butyral) Composite

Iron oxide nanoparticle of magnetite, one of well-known soft magnetic materials, has been investigated due to their various potential applications. In order to apply it as a magnetorheological (MR) material, composite of poly(vinyl butyral) and magnetite nanoparticles was prepared via solvent evaporation method using synthesized magnetite nanoparticles because of their proper magnetic characteristics and dispersion stability in a viscous medium. The magnetite nanoparticle was prepared via a co-precipitation method using ferrous and ferric ionic aqueous solutions. Surface and internal morphology of the composite particles were observed via scanning electron microscope and transmittance electron microscope. The MR fluid was prepared by suspending the composite particles in mineral oil. Its MR characteristics were examined via a rotational rheometer in a parallel plate geometry equipped with a magnetic field supplier. MR properties of the composite based MR fluid exhibit typical MR behavior with maximum yield stress of 800 Pa when 343 kA/m of magnetic field was applied.