Electrorheological properties of inclusive complex of β-cyclodextrin polymer

A new type of electrorheological (ER) materials of an inclusive complex, named β-CDP-PAN, has been synthesized by the supramolecular reaction of β-cyclodextrin cross-linking polymer (β-CDP) with 1-(2-pyridlazo)-2-naphthol (PAN). The experimental measurements about the suspension of β-CDP-PAN in silicone oil show that the dielectric constant, loss tangent and conductivity display more highly than that of β-CDP. Consequently, it exhibits a much stronger ER effect under a dc electric field. These results indicate that higher performance ER particles can be obtained by means of self-assembly - a new way to design and prepare ER materials.