Optimization of stabilized magnetorheological fluids for high precision polishing processes

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This project, originating from a PRIMA Quebec-Korea joint research call, will develop a highly stable magnetorheological polishing (MRP) system for next-generation optical and electrical devices. The MRP method is a smart polishing process where the abrasive forces are controlled by the applied magnetic field, thereby allowing ultra-precise polishing of material surfaces. There have been extensive efforts to use MRP to finish the surface of materials serving in high-end optical and electrical devices using optical glass, silicon, glass, germanium, silicon carbide, etc. To obtain high-quality products, it is important to control the MRP suspension to prevent stratification of the magnetorheological fluid outside of the magnetic field (hydraulic system), but also to achieve an ordered structure within the polishing layer under the action of the magnetic field. To this end, optimization of the composition of MR fluids is crucial. Therefore, the core thrust of the project is to conduct theoretical and experimental studies on the sedimentation behaviour and MRP performance of magnetorheological fluids with different characteristics in terms of dispersed phase compositions, particle sizes, and stabilizing polymer in the dispersion medium. To support this, experimental design of the block copolymer stabilizer for the nanoparticles is critical, as its composition, chain length and microstructure dictate the ability to stabilize the dispersion. Through a systematic study on the MRP system, we will develop optimized MR fluid compositions for MRP smart polishing systems.