Instant magnetorheological fluid mix

A magnetorheological fluid concentrate comprising a substantially dry mixture of a magnetic-responsive powder and a water-soluble thixotropic agent, wherein the thixotropic agent is a sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene oxide or xanthan gum.

A magnetorheological fluid concentrate comprising a substantially dry mixture of a magnetic-responsive powder, a thixotropic agent, a rust-inhibiting agent, and one or more of an alkalizing agent, an anti-friction agent, a colorant or a desiccant, wherein the magnetic-responsive powder is iron powder.

A magnetorheological fluid concentrate comprising a substantially dry mixture of about 90% to about 99.9% by weight iron powder, about 0.1% to about 10% by weight rust inhibiting agent and about 0.1% to about 5% by weight water-soluble thixotropic agent.

A process for preparing a stable magnetorheological fluid comprising mixing a magnetic-responsive powder and a thixotropic agent to form a substantially dry mixture, adding a carrier fluid, stirring the substantially dry mixture into the carrier fluid, and mixing the substantially dry mixture with the carrier fluid by vigorous shaking.

A magnetorheological fluid concentrate comprising in the substantial absence of a liquid, a substantially dry mixture of a magnetic-responsive powder and a thixotropic agent in an amount which provides thixotropic rheology when said concentrate is hydrated with a carrier fluid.