Abstract
In the electrorheological (ER) fluids of the disperse system, the poor dispersion stability of particles often limits the development of practical application of the fluids. This key matter can be settled by the chemical gelation of ER fluids. In the present study, the dimethylsilicone oil-based gel containing the non-aqueous ER particles was newly created. The dynamic properties on viscoelasticity in the sample silicone gel were examined under the DC applied electric field up to 2.0kV/mm using the sinusoidal oscillating rheometer with the low frequencies of 1Hz or less. The particle behavior and the shearing deformation in the sample gel were also observed using a microscope, a CCD camera and a color video monitor. When an electric field was applied to the sample gel, the gap between the electrodes was bridged by the chains of particles arranged in the direction of the electric field. Consequently, it is shown that the electroviscoelastic effect of the gel can be controlled by the electric field.
