Nanotechnology Reviews 2021; 10: 1339–1348

Research Article

Li Sun*, Geng Wang, Chunwei Zhang, Qiao Jin, and Yansheng Song

On the rheological properties of multi-walled

carbon nano-polyvinylpyrrolidone/silicon-based
shear thickening fluid
https://doi.org/10.1515/ntrev-2021-0087
received April 23, 2021; accepted September 4, 2021
1 Introduction
Abstract: This study examines the rheological properties Shear thickening fluid (STF) [1–4] is a composite material
of shear thickening fluid (STF) enhanced by additives formed by uniformly dispersing micro-nano particles in a
such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), poly- dispersion medium. Under normal conditions, it has a
vinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and nano-silica (SiO2) at dif- certain fluidity, but when external energy forces its shear
ferent mass fraction ratios. The rheological properties of rate to exceed a certain threshold, the STF viscosity will
the liquid (MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF) and the effect of the increase non-linearly and instantaneously and change
rheological properties of the STF under different plate from a fluid to a hard solid-like state [5–8]. The system
spacing of the rheometer were investigated. The optimal has fast response speed, reversible physical form process,
mass fraction mixing ratio was also studied. The MWCNTs– and exhibits excellent energy absorption and energy con-
PVP/SiO2–STF system with different PVP mass fractions sumption ability. As a result of its remarkable energy
was fabricated using ultrasonic technology and the mechan- absorption, it is widely used in body armor, engineering
ical stirring method. Then, the steady-state rheological test shock absorption [9–14], and other fields.
of the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system was carried out with At present, some scholars prepare new STF systems
the aid of the rheometer facility. Dynamic rheological and by changing the dispersed phase and adding modified
temperature sensitivity tests on the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF additives [15–17] to obtain STF with better rheological
system with 0.1 and 0.15% PVP mass fractions were per-
properties. Wei et al. [18] prepared the MWCNT/SiO2–STF
formed. The rheological test results show that the MWCNTs–
by using the strong adsorption characteristics of multi-
PVP/SiO2–STF system has a significant shear thickening
walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on nano-silica (SiO2).
effect when the PVP mass fraction is increased from 0 to
They explored the rheological properties of the new STF.
0.15%. When the PVP mass fraction is 0.1% and the plate
Shang Xu et al. [19] studied the effects of polyvinylpyrro-
spacing is 1 mm, the system exhibits the best shear thick-
lidone (PVP) of different molecular weights on the rheolo-
ening performance. This is based on the following facts: the
gical properties and stability of MWCNTs. His experiment
viscosity can be achieved as 216.75 Pa s; the maximum
showed that when the molecular weight of PVP is K30, the
energy storage and energy consumption capabilities can
degree of adhesion on the surface of MWCNTs is higher,
be observed. As a result, PVP can significantly enhance the
which is conducive to the dispersion of MWCNTs. Liu et al.
shear thickening performance of the MWCNTs/SiO2–STF
[20] combined triethoxysilane ((3-aminopropyl)triethoxy-
system.
silane) modified glass fiber with conventional electrolyte
Keywords: shear thickening fluid, multi-walled carbon nano- to prepare an impact-resistant electrolyte. The electrolyte
tubes, polyvinylpyrrolidone, silica, rheological properties maintains good electrochemical stability and shear thick-
ening effect when subjected to the action of a large

shearing force. Nakonieczna et al. [21] added MWCNTs to
* Corresponding author: Li Sun, School of Civil Engineering, the shear thickening solution of modified polypropylene
Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang, China, glycol and amorphous silica. The impact test results show
e-mail: [email protected]
that MWCNTs can effectively enhance the impact resis-
Geng Wang, Qiao Jin, Yansheng Song: School of Civil Engineering,
tance of the STF. Fu et al. [22] studied the confined com-
Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang, China
Chunwei Zhang: School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, pression behavior of STF by using concentrated submicron
Hainan University, Haikou, China particles of styrene. The experimental results show that the

Open Access. © 2021 Li Sun et al., published by De Gruyter. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
License.
1340  Li Sun et al.

compressibility of STF begins to decrease when the To summarize, MWCNTs have excellent catalytic
applied compressive stress is greater than 4 MPa. adsorption performance, while PVP has great advantages
PVP [23–26] is an amphiphilic polymer with a special in the surface modification of materials and in improving
structure. It can interact both with water and oils. It has the interface properties of composite materials. At present,
film-forming, cohesive, solubilizing effects, and can be some scholars have discussed the effect of the two mate-
used as a polymer surfactant with superior performance. rials on the rheological properties of the STF in the experi-
MWCNT [27–31] is a quantum material whose axial ment. They did not study whether the two can be used in
dimension is in the order of microns and the radial combination to modify the STF to improve its rheological
dimension is in the order of nanometer. It has extremely properties. Therefore, this study will explore the rheolo-
high composite material reinforcement performance. gical properties of the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system.
The combination of the above two materials can greatly The experiment determines the shear thickening perfor-
change the surface morphology of the composite mate- mance of the optimal system under steady-state conditions
rial, which is useful to improve the shear thickening by testing the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system with dif-
performance of the composite material. Hashim et al. ferent mixing ratios. Then, the optimal plate spacing of
[32] found that the existence of the Al4C3 phase of the the STF is selected based on the steady-state conditions
MWCNT/aluminum matrix and the physical conditions of the obtained optimal system under different plate spa-
of the MWCNT determine the strength of the interface cings. Based on the above conclusions, the experimental
bond. Ijaz Khan et al. [33] studied asymmetrical peri- modulus relationship under dynamic conditions charac-
staltic flow conical channels constrained by MWCNTs. terizes the rheological properties of the MWCNTs–PVP/
Experiments show that the viscosity of nanomaterials SiO2–STF system under the optimal plate spacing of the
depends on the volume fraction and temperature of nano- rheometer. Finally, the influence of temperature on the rheo-
particles. Zhuang et al. [34] used nitrogen-doped carbon logical properties of the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system
nanotube carriers to support nickel nanoparticles to make was explored.
them have the hydrogen oxidizing activity of platinum
group metals. Its catalytic performance has been increased
by 33 times, and the material has shown great potential in
the field of high-performance fuel cell catalysis. Abbasi 2 Experimental study
et al. [35] used TiO2 nanoparticles of different concentra-
tions to attach MWCNTs to explore its rheological proper-
2.1 Materials
ties. The results show that MWCNT–TiO2 exhibits shear
thickening behavior. Liu et al. [36] used PVP to modify
Nanosilica powder with an average particle size of 12 nm
SiO2 and affected its shear thickening effect by changing
was purchased from the Chinese Chemical Company
the interface effect of nano-SiO2, providing a new method for
Reckitt Benckiser. Polyethylene glycol PEG200 was pur-
optimizing SiO2-based STF. Sun et al. [37] used energy spec-
chased from Shandong Yousuo Chemical Technology Co.,
trometer and other methods to microscopically characterize
Ltd, China. Its hydroxyl value is 510–623 mg KOH/g, and
nano-zirconia (ZrO2), nano-silica (SiO2), and ZrO2/SiO2 pow-
it is a stable transparent liquid at room temperature. PVP
ders. And they further explored the rheological properties
(PVP K30 analytical grade) with a pale yellow powder
of ZrO2/SiO2–STF. Li et al. [38] used PVP coating to fill and
appearance was purchased from Xilong Science Co., Ltd.
cover the graphene surface in thermoplastic polyurethane
MWCNTs with a black powder appearance were purchased
(TPU)/graphene nanomaterials. PVP as a dispersant for
from China Hengqiu Nano Reagent Co., Ltd. Its inner dia-
TPU/reduced graphene oxide composite materials can effec-
meter is 2–6 nm, outer diameter is 9–18 nm, and length is
tively enhance the material interface interaction, and the
3–12 μm.
modification effect of PVP coating on the TPU/graphene
nanomatrix can increase the stress in the low modulus region.
Wang et al. [39] studied the use of PVP to modify the surface of
ZnO nanoparticles to improve their interface properties. The 2.2 STF preparation
experimenters used PVP to coat silicon dioxide on the surface
of ZnO, and the two were tightly combined through strong Before preparing the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system, put
hydrogen bonds to form a continuous thin layer. This new the SiO2 particles in a vacuum drying oven for 8 h. During
material can effectively reduce the photocatalytic activity and the preparation process, the experiment should maintain
improves its material durability. a constant temperature water bath environment [40].
 Rheological properties of liquid MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF  1341

First, take 200 mL PEG200 and the corresponding mass carried out using the AR2000 rheometer of the American
of MWCNTs powder into the beaker, and mechanically TA Company. The diameter of the test plate rotor was
stir until they become uniform. Second, during the stirr- 30 mm, and the plate spacing was 1 mm. The specific
ing process, SiO2 and PVP powders are gradually added test is as follows: under temperatures of 5, 12.5, 25, 40,
according to the requirements of different mixing ratios and 60°C and a shear rate scanning range of 0.1–1,000/s,
of the MWNT–PVP/SiO2–STF system. Then use an ultra- conduct steady-state rheological tests on the shear thick-
sonic oscillator [41] to continuously shake the container eners with different mixing ratios.
until the mixed nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in
the PEG200. Finally, put the configured MWCNTs–PVP/
SiO2–STF in a vacuum drying oven at 108°C for 24 h. After
taking it out, a stable MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system can 3 Results and discussion
be obtained.

3.1 Steady-state rheological performance

2.3 Rheological test
Figure 2 shows the shear viscosity–shear rate change
curve of the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system with dif-
The AR2000 rheometer from the American TA Company
ferent PVP mass fraction ratios under the shear rate scan-
(Figure 1) was used to test the steady-state and dynamic
ning range of 0.1–1,000/s. It can be seen from Figure 2
flow performance of MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF with dif-
that when compared with the MWCNTs/SiO2–STF system,
ferent mixing ratios. Each sample was randomly selected
the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system has good shear thick-
from five locations in the corresponding beaker for sam-
ening performance. Its viscosity peaks are greatly increased,
pling and testing. The diameter of the plate rotor was
and the critical shear rate is significantly reduced.
30 mm, and the distance between the plates was 1 mm.
It can also be seen from Figure 2 that with the
The specific tests conducted are as follows: (1) under the
increase of the PVP mass fraction, the viscosity curve of
conditions of a temperature of 25°C and a shear rate sweep
the system does not show the regularity of consistent
range of 0.1–1,000/s, a steady-state rheological test of
changes. Before the mass fraction of PVP reaches 0.15%,
MWCNTs/SiO2–STF with different mixing ratios was per-
the initial viscosity of the system gradually decreases and
formed. (2) Under the fixed angular frequency of 80 rad/s
the peak viscosity gradually increases with the increase
and a strain sweep range of 0.1–2,000%, the optimal mix
of the mass fraction of PVP. The reason is that the
ratio MWCNTs/SiO2–STF was dynamically tested. (3) Under
MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system has dispersibility and
the fixed strain amplitude of 75, 150, 300, and 600% and a
adhesion to MWCNTs due to PVP. It coats the surface
frequency sweep range of 0.1–600 rad/s, the optimal mix
of MWCNTs so that the clustered MWCNTs are separated.
ratio MWCNTs/SiO2–STF was tested dynamically.
In addition, the PVP attached to MWCNTs can form a
new type of MWCNTs–PVP particles with a relatively

2.4 Temperature sensitivity test

The temperature sensitivity test of the MWCNTs–PVP/

SiO2–STF system with a PVP mass fraction of 0.1% was

E
Erector
Connecting device
Rotating shaft
Rotor
Plate distance
Pile caps

Adm
minicula
Figure 2: The steady-state rheological properties of the
Figure 1: Schematic of rheometer device. MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system with different mass fraction ratios.
1342  Li Sun et al.

large width and rough surface. The structure of the new effect to enhance the shear thickening performance of
particle is flocculent. When external factors increase the the system. Consider the influence of the parameter range
shear rate of the system, the new MWCNTs–PVP parti- of the peak viscosity rate of the rheological properties of
cles with a flocculent structure are more likely to adsorb the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system. The shear thickening
a large amount of SiO2 particles. Therefore, a new type of performance of the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system with
“particle clusters” with a larger number, larger volume, a PVP mass fraction of 0.10% is the most significant.
and more fullness can be formed, which hinders the flow The peak viscosity rate parameter range of the system is
of the STF system, resulting in a decrease in the initial 25.63–187.20/s. At the same time, compared to the system
viscosity of the system and an increase in the peak vis- without PVP, its peak viscosity increased from 118.993 to
cosity. But when the PVP quality score reaches 0.15%, 216.750 Pa s, an increase of 82.15%. It can meet the require-
due to the continuous increase of PVP, the PVP has the ments of maintaining excellent energy consumption of the
same interface effect on both the MWCNTs and the SiO2 STF in a wide range of speeds.
particles. Therefore, when external factors increase the All modified samples showed obvious shear thinning
shear rate of the system, the different molecular groups and shear thickening than MWCNT/SiO2–STF. The reason
covering a large amount of PVP repel each other, and is that PVP has dispersibility for MWCNTs and can increase
the peak viscosity of the system decreases. With the its surface roughness. This makes the number of this new
continuous increase in the PVP mass fraction, the cri- type of “particle clusters” far greater than the number of
tical shear rate of the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system agglomerated MWCNTs. When compared with MWCNT/
decreased first and then increased. It further shows the SiO2–STF, the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system has more
process of PVP with different mass fractions adhering to “particle clusters” and smaller average spacing. Therefore,
the MWCNTs and SiO2 particles. The priority and effect the critical shear rate of the latter is lower and the peak
of PVP on the selection of the two different materials of viscosity is larger, which has an obvious shear thickening
MWCNTs and SiO2 are verified from the side. effect.
Table 1 of this test shows that the MWCNTs–PVP/ The scanning electron microscopic experiment was
SiO2–STF system with a PVP mass fraction of 0.15% has carried out on the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2 particles and the
the most obvious shear thickening effect. Compared to MWCNTs/SiO2 particles (Figure 3 shows the mechanism
the STF without PVP, its peak viscosity increased from of action and Figure 4 shows the microscopic morphology).
118.993 to 299.554 Pa s, an increase of 151.74%. At the Explore the material composite relationship and the dis-
same time, its critical shear rate is reduced from 15.85 persion of nanomaterials from a microscopic point of
to 12.59/s, a decrease of 20.57%. The main reason may view. Specific performance: On the one hand, compared to
be that PVP coats the surface of MWCNTs to form an inter- the MWCNTs/SiO2 system in the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF
face layer, which increases the surface area and roughness system, the increase in the PVP content at the beginning
of MWCNTs. PVP disperses the gathered MWCNTs, so that can effectively disperse the agglomerated MWCNTs and
the MWCNTs/SiO2–STF system forms a large number of reduce the initial viscosity. On the other hand, the number
“particle clusters” with uniform and stable dispersion of and unique structure of the “new particle clusters” hinder
the system. At the same time, a large number of particle the flow of the system under external forces and increase
clusters can adsorb more SiO2 particles on the rough the peak viscosity. Therefore, the new system is superior
MWCNTs surface. As the spacing of the particle clusters to the shear thickening performance of the MWCNTs/SiO2
becomes smaller, it is easier to form an agglomeration system. When the mass fraction of PVP increases to 0.15%,

Table 1: The rheological characteristic parameters of the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system with different mass fractions of PVP

Percentage composition Critical shear rate (/s) Critical viscosity (Pa.s) Peak viscosity (Pa.s) Peak rate interval

0.00% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF 15.85 28.7633 118.993 [25.12, 153.83]

0.05% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF 15.85 29.8263 163.619 [19.95, 153.83]
0.10% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF 25.12 22.5848 216.750 [25.63, 187.20]
0.15% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF 12.59 15.1553 299.554 [15.85, 153.83]
0.20% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF 19.95 34.1166 156.772 [31.63, 124.81]
0.25% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF 19.95 30.4075 138.161 [25.12, 153.83]
0.30% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF 25.12 25.1202 115.257 [31.63, 124.81]
 Rheological properties of liquid MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF  1343

increased sharply and then began to decrease. The reason is

that after a large amount of PVP is grafted with MWCNTs,
the remaining part of PVP is modified around the SiO2 par-
ticles. This results in the formation of a large number of
particle clusters, which leads to a sharp increase in the initial
viscosity of the fluid. Due to the continuous addition of PVP,
the periphery of the two particle clusters contains PVP par-
ticles. This increases the molecular force between the clus-
ters of particles. Therefore, the initial and peak viscosities of
the fluid have decreased. This also shows once again that
the 0.15% sample system has reached the optimal state.
Although continuing to increase the PVP content can
increase the initial viscosity, the shear thickening perfor-
mance of the system weakens as the peak viscosity
decreases significantly. Therefore, the content of MWCNTs
can be increased according to actual demand to control its
rheological properties. It can be seen from Figure 2 that
Figure 3: The MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2 formation process.
compared to the MWCNTs/SiO2 system, the critical shear
rate and the peak shear rate of the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF
its peak viscosity significantly increases to 299.554 Pa s. The system have a larger gap, because the structure of the new
reason is that after the PVP content is approximately equals particle clusters in the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system has
to the “critical content,” a large number of new particle a strong adsorption effect on SiO2. This makes the shear
clusters are formed. The new type of particle cluster has a thickening effect more likely to occur under the action of a
flocculent structure with a rough surface, which can act shear force. Considering the influence of the shear rate range
synergistically with SiO2. Although the number of particle of the system in actual engineering applications, the com-
clusters increases, the average spacing between the particles prehensive rheological parameters of the 0.1% PVP sample
is reasonable. This makes the initial viscosity low and the are more in line with the requirements.
peak viscosity high, showing a strong shear thickening As the number of “particle clusters” in the MWCNTs–
effect. This shows that the system has reached the best PVP/SiO2–STF system increases and the average spacing
mix ratio. After further increasing the PVP mass fraction, decreases, the initial test plate spacing may hinder the
the initial viscosity of the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system formation of new “particle clusters.” This may make the
outer layer of MWCNTs–PVP particles unable to effec-
tively adsorb SiO2 particles. As a result, a new type of
“particle cluster” of MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF of suitable
size cannot be formed, which weakens the effect of
the “particle cluster.” This will affect the accuracy of
the experimental results. Therefore, based on the above
experimental conclusions, the PVP with the optimal mix
ratio was selected for the steady-state rheological tests
under different plate spacings.
Figure 5 shows the effect of the rheometer on the
steady-state rheological properties of the 0.1% PVP sample
under different plate spacing. It can be seen from Figure 5
that the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system has a significant
impact on the system under conditions of different plate
spacing. Changing the plate spacing can not only signifi-
cantly reduce the critical shear rate of the system, but also
significantly increase the peak apparent viscosity.
From Table 2, it is concluded that the peak viscosity
Figure 4: Scanning electron microscopic imaging of MWCNTs–SiO2 of MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF with a PVP mass fraction of
particles. 0.1% was increased by 17.79, 3.19, 58.37, and 29.07%
1344  Li Sun et al.

3.2 Dynamic rheological performance

It can be seen from the above research that the steady-

state rheology of 0.15% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system
has a significant shear thickening performance. Therefore,
this section mainly studies the dynamic rheological prop-
erties of the 0.15% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system.
It can be seen from Figure 6 that when the strain
amplitude increases from 75 to 600%, the storage mod-
ulus of the system first increases and then decreases as
the angular frequency increases. The energy dissipation
modulus increases with the increase of the angular fre-
quency, and the critical angular frequency decreases with
the increase in the strain amplitude. Although the storage
modulus decreases significantly with the increase in the
strain amplitude when the angular frequency is small,
Figure 5: Steady-state rheological properties of 0.1% PVP samples the peak storage modulus is almost unaffected. Com-
with different plate spacing. pared to the storage modulus, the dissipation modulus
exhibits similar behavior. For example, the peak energy
compared with the MWNT/SiO2 system under the same
inter-plate spacing. When the distance between the plates
is doubled and quadrupled from 0.25 mm, the peak visc-
osity of the system increases and the critical shear rate
decreases. The possible reason is that the PVP dispersed
and agglomerated MWCNTs resulted in the formation of a
larger number of new “particle clusters.” When the spa-
cing between the plates is 0.25–0.5 mm, the plates hinder
the formation of new particle clusters. When the plate
spacing increases from 0.5 to 1.0 mm, the shear thickening
phenomenon is significant. The above phenomenon may
be due to the appropriate size and uniform distribution of
the new “particle clusters” in the system. It can exhibit
good shear thickening under the condition of 0.1 mm plate
spacing. When the plate spacing is further increased
to 1.5 mm, the increase in the spacing between plates
increases the average spacing of the new particle clus- Figure 6: The relationship between the storage modulus and fre-
ters. Therefore, the peak viscosity is reduced. quency of the 0.15% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system.

Table 2: The rheological characteristics of the two systems under different plate spacings

STF Clearance distance (mm) Critical shear rate (/s) Critical viscosity (Pa.s) Peak viscosity (Pa.s)

0.10% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF 0.25 39.8195 93.9988 137.274

0.10% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF 0.50 31.6268 83.5023 174.553
0.10% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF 1.00 25.1202 42.7383 216.75
0.10% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF 1.50 25.1202 24.9262 213.937
MWCNTs/SiO2–STF 0.25 39.8237 43.699 116.493
MWCNTs/SiO2–STF 0.50 15.8514 96.7629 169.163
MWCNTs/SiO2–STF 1.00 25.1203 81.0411 136.864
MWCNTs/SiO2–STF 1.50 15.8493 65.1486 165.76
 Rheological properties of liquid MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF  1345

storage of the 0.15% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system

increased from 4280.61 to 10949.50 Pa and the peak energy
consumption increased from 3199.05 to 12279.10 Pa. The
peak energy storage increases by about 255.79%, and the
peak energy consumption increases by 383.84%. In addi-
tion, a comparison of Figures 6 and 7 shows that the energy
dissipation modulus is always above the storage modulus.
This shows that the system is based on energy consump-
tion. The energy consumption of the system indicates that
the STF has the potential to reduce structural vibration.
It can be seen from Figures 8 and 9 that when the
strain amplitude increases continuously, the storage mod-
ulus and energy dissipation modulus of 0.15% MWCNTs–
PVP/SiO2–STF increase compared to the other two systems.
At the same time, its critical strain amplitude becomes
smaller, showing a stable shear thickening ability. When Figure 8: The MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system storage modulus and
the angular frequency is 80 rad/s, the peak energy storage the strain relationship curve.
and peak energy consumption of the 0.15% MWCNTs–PVP/
SiO2–STF system are 7061.69 and 10827.3 Pa, respectively,
and its peak energy consumption is increased by about
53.32%. In addition, its energy consumption curve is always
greater than the energy storage curve. It is more obvious in
the range of high strain amplitude. This indicates that the
0.15% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system not only exhibits
good elastic behavior under low stress, but also has signifi-
cant energy dissipation ability under high stress.

3.3 Temperature sensitivity

It can be seen from Section 3.2 that the MWCNTs–PVP/

SiO2–STF system has excellent rheological properties. To

Figure 9: The relationship between the energy dissipation modulus

and the strain on the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system.

further explore the practical applicability of the MWCNTs–

PVP/SiO2–STF system, in this section, the influence of
ambient temperature on the rheological properties of
the system is studied in detail. It can be observed from
Figures 10 and 11 that both the systems have significant
shear thinning and shear thickening at the tested tempera-
tures. On the whole, the apparent viscosity of both increases
greatly as the temperature decreases. However, the influ-
ence of temperature on the shear thickening behavior is
significantly greater than its influence on the shear thinning
behavior. For example, when the temperature of the MWCNTs–
PVP/SiO2–STF system increases from 12.5 to 40°C, the
Figure 7: The relationship between the energy dissipation modulus apparent viscosity corresponding to a shear rate of 0.1/s
and the frequency of the 0.15% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system. decreases only by 46.56%. At the same time, the peak
1346  Li Sun et al.

Figure 12: The shear rate of the 0.15% MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF

Figure 10: The steady-state viscosity-shear rate curves of the
system changes with temperature.
MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system at different temperatures.

apparent viscosity reduction rate can reach 86.19%. This is MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system increases from 5 to 12.5,
because the temperature rise intensifies the Brownian 25, 40, and 60°C, the corresponding shear thickening
motion of the molecules. The process of forming particle effects are 31.65, 24.64, 19.77, 11.90, and 2.34, respectively.
clusters by molecules is more difficult, resulting in a Its reduction rates are 22.15, 19.76, 39.81, and 80.34%. The
decrease in the viscosity of the system. reason may be that at higher temperatures, the PVP is not
It can be seen from Figures 12 and 13 that the shear conducive to the combination of MWNT and SiO2 particles.
thickening effect of the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system In addition, the hydrogen bonding force is weakened at
is greatly affected by temperature changes. The shear high temperatures, which is not conducive to the disper-
thickening coefficient (the ratio of the peak viscosity to sion of particles in polyethylene glycol. Therefore, the
the critical viscosity) decreases with increasing tempera- shear mechanical properties of the system decrease with
ture. For example, when the temperature of the 0.15% the increase in temperature.

Figure 11: The steady-state viscosity-shear rate curves of the Figure 13: The apparent viscosity of the 0.15% MWCNTs–PVP/
MWCNTs/SiO2–STF system at different temperatures. SiO2–STF system changes with temperature.
 Rheological properties of liquid MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF  1347

4 Conclusion Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of

interest.
In this study, MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF systems with dif-
ferent mixing ratios were developed. The shear thick-
ening mechanism of the MWCNTs–PVP/SiO2–STF system
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