Molecular self-assembly synthesis and electrorheological properties of inclusive complex from ß-cyclodextrin

Based on molecular self-assembly, an inclusive complex (β-CDP-PAN) of ß-cyclodextrin cross-linking polymer (β-CDP) was prepared. The structure of the inclusive complex was characterized by using fluorescence spectrophotometer and IR. The results demonstrated that the naphthalene ring of 1-(2-pyridlazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) was included in the glycopyranose unit of β-CDP. A new method of synthesis of electrorheological materials was proposed in this paper and two new electrorheological fluids (ER) were prepared by dispersion of β-CDP and its inclusive complex in silicone oil, respectively. It was obviously observed that the inclusive complex has higher dielectric properties--the dielectric constant of β-CDP-PAN is 5.35 and that of conductivity is 2.97×10^-9 Sm^-1, which is over more 10 times than that of β-CDP--and much stronger ER effect than β-CDP. Under the electric fields of 5 kV/mm (DC), the static shear stress of β-CDP-PAN is 6.2 kPa and 2-3 times bigger than that of β-CDP. This may be due to the supermolecular action between β-CDP and PAN and possibly relation to the properties of the guest.