Electrorheological fluids: A living review

Abstract

Electrorheological (ER) materials have attracted considerable attention over the decades, owning to their unique ability to rapidly change their rheological properties upon exposure to an electric field. Such feature enables these materials in numerous applications. This paper reviews the general aspects of electrorheological fluids (ERFs), and introduces the most often used ER materials. Liquid carriers are briefly compared and numerous dispersed dielectric particles are represented from both, inorganic and organic categories, along with a wide range of composites. A selection of reviewed ERF particles characteristics (their type, geometry, size, conductivity and ER efficiency) is summarized in tables. Advantages and drawbacks of state-of-the-art ERFs are outlined, along with their general requirements. Additionally, an open living online document is attached and meant to keep a summary of the key characteristics of ER particles covered in future ERF-focused publications and create a rich online resource for the scientific community over time. Fellow researchers are therefore welcomed to contact the authors for their published data to be included (the open living table is to be updated regularly).