The synthesis and characterization of Pb3O2Cl2 nanowires and the electrorheological (ER) properties of carbon nanofiber (CNF), carbon nanotube (CNT) and Pb3O2Cl2 nanowire (NW) laden suspensions is presented. The ER properties were investigated through oscillatory shear experiments. The viscoelastic response in the presence of dc electric fields was analyzed. Actuation behavior for the CNF and NW laden suspensions was observed at low voltages and low concentration of the reinforcements (0.05 wt%). In the case of the CNT laden Suspensions, an effect was observed at a concentration of 0.0125 wt%. Positive and negative electrorheological behaviors were observed due to differences in electrical conductivity and polarization mechanisms. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.