Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetorheological Fluids

Abstract

Magnetorheological fluids (MRF) are mixture of ferromagnetic micron sized particles in silicon or hydraulic oil carrier fluid. By application of external varying strength magnetic field various physical properties of these fluids can be controlled and they becomes semi-solids depending on magnetic field strength application.MR fluids fulfill the desired performance requirements i.e. on application of magnetic field exhibits high shear and low initial viscosity, quick response , low hysteresis, low power consumption and temperature stability These special properties of MR fluids made them suitable for many type of industrial applications including machining. Hence fluids can be very effectively used in magnetorheological finishing process (MRF) which has unique feature of finishing truncated and complicated geometrical shapes and surfaces and capable of producing surface in nanometers. As surface finish is an important parameter in precision fits, product quality, and high-strength applications. The three dimensional surfaces finishing works such as different angled deep pockets or projections. Many industries have this type of i.e. mould & dies manufacturing, automobiles manufacturing, aerospace industry, semiconductor machining and optics machining etc. Such application leads to enhanced demand of nano-finishing of 3D surfaces without damaging surfaces/sub-surfaces. As due to change in properties because of change in composition the MR effect is also influenced. Therefore the composition of MR fluids is very important to achieve desired MR effect. The composition of magnetorheological fluids can be evaluated with the help of characterizations and desire MR fluid can be synthesized according to requirements of the process. This paper will explain in detail how we can synthesize and characterize the Magnetorheological fluids using state of the art equipments and can optimize their performance.