Abstract
The electrorheological properties (ER) of natural rubber (XL)/alumina (Al2O3) composites were investigated in oscillatory shear mode under DC electrical field strengths between 0 to 2 kV/mm. SEM micrographs indicate a mean particle size of 9.873 ± 0.034 µm and particles that are moderately dispersed in the matrix. The XRD patterns indicate Al2O3 is of the β-phase polytype which possesses high ionic conductivity. The storage modulus (G′) of the composites, or the rigidity, increases by nearly two orders of magnitude, with variations in particle volume fraction and electrical field strength. The increase in the storage modulus is caused the ionic polarization of the alumina particles and the induced dipole moments set up in the natural rubber matrix.
Highlights
Combining a dielectric ceramic and a polymer host to form a flexible dielectric composite is interesting in view of the greater flexibility in tailoring these materials towards particular mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, and/or a coupling between these properties [1,2]
López-Manchado et al studied the influence of inorganic nanoparticles on elastomer crosslinking mechanisms
The mean diameter of alumina particles is 9.873 ± 0.034 μm, as determined by the particle size analyzer, and consistent with that found by SEM
Summary
Combining a dielectric ceramic and a polymer host to form a flexible dielectric composite is interesting in view of the greater flexibility in tailoring these materials towards particular mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, and/or a coupling between these properties [1,2]. López-Manchado et al studied the influence of inorganic nanoparticles on elastomer crosslinking mechanisms. The role of inorganic particles has been evaluated using the tube model theory [4]. Molecular network parameters derived from this model point out a different filler/elastomer reinforcement mechanism as a function of filler. Even a small amount of inorganic nanoparticles is sufficient to interact with the entire matrix. These inorganic nanoparticles mainly exhibit physical adsorptions with the elastomer due to its inorganic nature [4]
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