Enhanced magnetic-sensing characteristics for application of magnetorheological elastomer

Abstract

As a viscoelastic smart material with magnetic-control properties, a magnetorheological (MR) elastomer (MRE) is prepared by solidifying the magnetic particles (hardness) into the viscoelastic polymer matrix (softness). MRE is a magnetic-sensing smart material whose mechanical property can be controlled by external magnetic field. MRE possesses advantages of both MR material and elastomer, such as rapid response, good reversibility, excellent polymer properties and strong controllable capacity. It overcomes the disadvantages of sedimentation, poor stability and sealing problems of MR fluid (MRF). These advantages result in MRE having broad application prospects in the fields of noise reduction, vibration attenuation and smart sensing. Consequently, it has become a hotspot of MR materials in recent years. In this chapter, the MRE materials' preparation, characterization and application research are introduced. Finally, the future development of MREs is also prospected.