Ni-coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes enhanced the magnetorheological performance of magnetorheological gel

As a kind of new Magnetorheological (MR) material, MR Gel (MRG) can be regarded as the analog of MR fluid (MRF), which can overcome the iron particles sedimentation and unstable application of MRF. Normally, the storage modulus of conventional MRG is relatively small, although it has a very high relative MR effect. Therefore, practical engineering application of conventional MRG has been restricted more or less. In this work, an MRG with high magneto-induced shear storage modulus and excellent relative MR effect has been fabricated by incorporating Ni-coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Ni-coated MWCNTs). And several polyurethane-based MRG composites with the addition of Ni-coated MWCNTs were prepared. The dynamic mechanical property of those MRG composites with applying magnetic field is researched through an advanced commercial rheometer. The experimental results indicated that the initial storage modulus and magneto-induced modulus in sample 4 (containing 6 wt% of the Ni-coated MWCNTs) were approximately 4.45 and 2.27 times than that in the sample 1 (without Ni-coated MWCNTs). Moreover, the relative MR effect of sample 4 can reach 3427 %. The high modulus of sample 4 can be mainly attributed to the following points. One is the Ni-coated MWCNTs can be aligned along the direction of the magnetic field within the matrix which provided a better reinforcing efficiency. The other is Ni-coated MWCNTs can be made to form a better bonding between the iron particles and the matrix. It is concluded that this study provides a meaningful way to improve the mechanical properties of MRG and expected to promote the application of MRG in practice.