Synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene oxide nanocomposite particles via Pickering emulsion polymerization and their viscous response under an electric field

Abstract

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/graphene oxide (GO) core-shell structured particles were fabricated by a Pickering emulsion polymerization method using the GO as a solid stabilizer. Their morphology and chemical bond were measured by transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The improved thermal stability of the GO-coated PMMA particles was also confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. The fabricated particles were dispersed in silicone oil to produce an electrorheological (ER) fluid and their response to an electric field was analyzed in a controlled shear rate mode using a rotational rheometer under an applied electric field. The resulting ER fluid exhibited a typical ER behavior fitted well with both Bingham fluid and Sisko models, and well scaled using a modified Mason number.