Fabrication and characterization of isotropic magnetorheological elastomers

• Published in: Polymer testing Vol. 24; no. 5; pp. 669 - 676
• Main Authors: Gong, X.L., Zhang, X.Z., Zhang, P.Q.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2005; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Magnetorheological elastomer; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Silicone; Technology of polymers; Magnetorheological elastomer; Silicone; Viscoelasticity; Magnetorheology; Shear modulus; Iron Compounds; Silicone oil; Experimental study; Composite material; Magnetic field effect; Magnetic particles; Vulcanizate; Morphology; Concentration effect; Silicone elastomer; Rheological properties
• ISSN: 0142-9418; 1873-2348
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2005.03.015

This paper presents a new method to fabricate isotropic magnetorheological (MR) elastomers under natural conditions. In the absence of a magnetic field, a variety of MR elastomer samples made of carbonyl iron particles, silicon rubber and silicone oil, were fabricated. Their dynamic viscoelastic properties were characterized by a measurement system developed by our group. Also, the microstructure of the samples was observed by a scanning electron microscope. The effects of iron particles and additives on the MR effect and the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. Furthermore, a simple self-assembled microstructure was proposed to explain the inherent magnetoviscoelasticity of MR elastomers prepared in the absence of a magnetic field. The analytical results of the model are in agreement with experimental data. The study is also expected to provide a good guide for designing and preparing new MR elastomers.