Taguchi and RSM in the Development of Cip-Parrafin-Oil Based Magneto-Rheological Fluid Enhanced with Grease

Abstract

Magneto-Rheological Fluids (MRF) are smart materials whose
rheological properties can be suitably controlled. They are
finding wide applications today in several engineering fields.
However, the high cost of silicone-based MRF which is well
researched and commercially available impacts negatively on
the applicability, thereby necessitating improvement via further
research. This work aims to develop and characterize a novel
MRF that is suitable for flow-mode applications from cheap and
readily available constituting materials. Carbonyl-iron particles
(CIP) of size ranging 3μm to 5μm, low viscosity paraffin oil and
Lithium grease were used as magnetic particle, carrier fluid and
additive, respectively. Based on different mixing proportions
that were determined with both Response Surface Methodology
(RSM) and Taguchi method, a total of thirty one (31) samples
were prepared following standard procedure. For each and all of
the samples, the values of viscosity were determined using a
rheometer with incorporated magnetic device, the yield stress
was determined using Bingham model, and the sedimentation
ratio was measured by observation method. Results showed that
viscosity as well as the yield stress increases with added amount
of Carbonyl-iron particles (CIP), while sedimentation ratio was
inversely proportional to the percentage of added additive and
carbonyl-iron particles (CIP). Carbonyl-iron particles (CIP) had
the most influencing effect, and 60% CIP and 3% additives were
found to be the optimum proportion. Conclusively, a new type
of MRF was developed, characterised and shown to offer
satisfactory responses suitable for flow-mode applications.