Activating Role of Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) in the Electrorheological Performance of Fluids Filled by Its Highly Porous Particles

Abstract A method for forming highly porous poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) composite particles with an excess nonconductive PSS component via spraying into liquid nitrogen, followed by freeze-drying, was proposed. The additional PSS content both compensates for the excess charge of PEDOT and acts as a binder during the formation of a highly porous network. Electrorheological fluids, i.e., dispersions of highly porous particles in silicone oil, were obtained. PEDOT:PSS/PSS composite particles with various component ratios were considered as fillers. Operating ranges of electric field strength and the most promising composite fillers were determined. The electrorheological activity of PSS particles was revealed for the first time. The activation effect of a small amount of PEDOT in the porous particles on the electrorheological behavior of the fluids was established. The intensity of the electrorheological effect depends on the particles’ composition and the electrical properties of the fluids. The possibility of developing electrorheological fluids with tunable properties by varying the composition of PEDOT:PSS-based composite filler particles was demonstrated.