Electrorheological responses of suspensions of cylindrical PBZT particles in mineral oil

Model electrorheological (ER) fluids consisting of cylindrical particles of poly(p-phenylene)-2,6-benzobisthiazole (PBZT) dispersed in mineral oil are investigated. An attempt is made to understand the role of particle shape on the dielectric properties and on the steady-shear response of ER fluids. It is shown that the dispersed-phase geometric aspect ratio significantly affects the rheological behavior of the ER fluids. Specifically, an increase in geometric aspect ratio led to higher viscosity.<>