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Abstract

Non-aqueous electrorheological fluids are described which comprise a major amount of a hydrophobic liquid phase and a minor amount of a dispersed particulate phase of a polyaniline prepared by polymerizing aniline in the presence of an oxidizing agent and from about 0.1 to about 1.6 moles of an acid per mole of aniline to form an acid salt of polyaniline, and thereafter treating the acid salt with a base. The polyanilines may be prepared from aniline or from mixtures of aniline and other monomers such as pyrroles, vinyl pyridines, vinyl pyrrolidones, thiophenes, vinylidene halides, phenothiazines, imidazolines, N-phenyl-p-phenylene diamines or mixtures thereof. The electrorheological fluids prepared in accordance with the present invention are useful in a variety of applications including flotational coupling devices such as clutches for automobiles or industrial motors, transmissions, brakes or tension control devices; and linear damping devices such as shock absorbers, engine mounts and hydraulic actuators.

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First Claim