Studying the Shear Elasticity Nonlinearity of Nanosuspensions by Acoustic Means

The complex shear modulus of silicon dioxide nanoparticle suspensions in a polyethylsiloxane liquid is determined via acoustic resonance using a piezoelectric crystal. The technique is based on studying effect additional coupling forces have on the resonance characteristics of an oscillating system. Specific features of the dependence of the shear modulus on the deformation amplitude are due to intermolecular interactions in suspensions, determined via IR spectrometry.