Fabrication of liquid crystal Fe3O4 composites and their magnetorheological properties

Some supramolecular polyacrylate-based liquid crystal polymers (PLCPs) were prepared by polyacrylic acid, a liquid crystal monomer and 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid. Series of magnetic liquid crystal particles (Fe₃O₄@PLCPs) with core-shell structure were prepared by modifying surface of magnetic nanoparticles Fe₃O₄ by the PLCPs. The Fe₃O₄@PLCPs showed a saturation magnetization strength above 51.17 emu/g, which is similar to pure magnetic Fe₃O₄, indicating good magnetism and magnetic field dependence. Series of magnetorheological fluids were fabricated by Fe₃O₄@PLCPs (using as dispersed phase) and silicone oil (using as carrier liquid). The effects of mesogen, magnetic particle, and the polymer matrix on magnetorheological performance and settling stability were investigated. The magnetorheological fluid based on 10% Fe₃O₄@PLCP-1 showed the best performance at an applied magnetic field of 100 mT in this study. Furthermore, the magnetorheological fluids showed excellent settling stability because the density of Fe₃O₄@PLCPs was lower than that of Fe₃O₄. The Fe₃O₄@PLCPs-based fluids presented certain application potential in the field of magnetic fluid due to the excellent magnetorheological effect and settling stability.