Homogeneous Electrorheological Liquid Based on Side-Chain Liquid Crystal Polysiloxanes Containing p-Methoxyl Phenyl Benzolate and Its Smart Damper

Based on the synthesis and characterization of side-chain liquid crystal polysiloxanes containing p-methoxyl phenyl benzolate, the homogeneous electrorheological (ER) liquid and its smart damper were fabricated. The properties of the homogeneous ER liquid and its smart damper were tested. The results indicated that the homogeneous ER liquid with significant ER effect at room temperature is obtained by mixing the side-chain liquid crystal polysiloxanes containing p-methoxyl phenyl benzolate and silicone oil. Its shear stress reached 1550Pa at electrical field strength (E) of 2.2 kV/mm and shear rate of 300 s-1. The damping forces of the smart damper based on the homogeneous ER liquid enhanced if E and oscillation frequency increased. Consequently, an effective way for semi-active control using the smart damper based on the homogeneous ER liquid was put forward to reduce the seismic responses of the structures.