Abstract

In this paper, two kaolinite hybrids have been synthesized using an intercalation method and characterized by XRD and FTIR. The result shows that DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) intercalated the interlayer of kaolinite and the basal spacing of hybrids was swelled from 0.715 to 1.110 nm, so that the kaolinite–organic matter intercalation compounds were formed. Then the dielectric and rheological properties of the ERF (electrorheological fluid) were measured. The results show that in electric fields of 3 kV mm⁻¹, the shear stress of DMSO/kaolinite ERFs can be 600 Pa (shear rate 5 s⁻¹) which is 2.14 times higher than that of pure kaolinite ERFs. In the meanwhile, the sedimentation and temperature effect is excellent. The intrinsic reason for enhancement of the rheological properties is the improvement of the dielectric properties of the intercalation hybrid. The properties of glycerol/kaolinite ERFs were enhanced also, but an optimum electrorheological effect zone appeared at a glycerol content of 6%.