Electro-rheological polymers

Smart fluids in the form of electro-rheological (ER) fluids are among the most spectacular of the smart materials. ER fluids are typically suspensions of semiconducting, solid particles dispersed in an insulating carrier liquid, which show a dramatic increase in flow resistance when an external electric field is applied. This reversible and rapid change in flow properties has potential applications in many electronically controlled mechanical devices. This article gives a short overview of the field of ER materials and their basic properties. Current and future developments with particular attention to electrorheological polymers have been reviewed.