On the rheological properties of multi-walled carbon nano-polyvinylpyrrolidone/silicon-based shear thickening fluid

This study examines the rheological properties of shear thickening fluid (STF) enhanced by additives such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), poly-vinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and nano-silica (SiO2) at dif-ferent mass fraction ratios. The rheological properties of the liquid (MWCNTs-PVP/SiO2-STF) and the effect of the rheological properties of the STF under different plate spacing of the rheometer were investigated. The optimal mass fraction mixing ratio was also studied. The MWCNTs- PVP/SiO2-STF system with different PVP mass fractions was fabricated using ultrasonic technology and the mechan-ical stirring method. Then, the steady-state rheological test of the MWCNTs-PVP/SiO2-STF system was carried out with the aid of the rheometer facility. Dynamic rheological and temperature sensitivity tests on the MWCNTs-PVP/SiO2-STF system with 0.1 and 0.15% PVP mass fractions were per-formed. The rheological test results show that the MWCNTs- PVP/SiO2-STF system has a significant shear thickening effect when the PVP mass fraction is increased from 0 to 0.15%. When the PVP mass fraction is 0.1% and the plate spacing is 1 mm, the system exhibits the best shear thick-ening performance. This is based on the following facts: the viscosity can be achieved as 216.75 Pa s; the maximum energy storage and energy consumption capabilities can be observed. As a result, PVP can significantly enhance the shear thickening performance of the MWCNTs/SiO2-STF system.