Mechanical properties and magnetic effect of new magneto-rheological elastomers filled with multi-wall carbon nanotubes and iron particles

Abstract

Abstract Nanofillers were frequently used since last decade to improve the properties of rubber nanocomposites. Here, new hybrid rubber nanocomposites reinforced with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and iron particles (IP) were prepared by dispersing them in room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone rubber. The significance of using nanofiller MWCNTs helps in improving the modulus of the specimen at low filler loadings. The mechanical properties were investigated through compressive tests and at a filler content of 60 phr, the compressive modulus was 285% (electrolyte hybrid) and 210% (carbonyl hybrid). The magnetic effect (defined as orientation of IP particles in the direction of applied strain) was studied from the mechanical properties by curing at room temperature for 90 min under magnetic field of 0.5∼2.0 Tesla (T). Mechanical measurements show that smaller iron particles (S1640) can easily response to the magnetic field than bigger iron particles (Fe#400). The improved features of the magneto-rheological elastomers (MREs) might be suitable in industrial applications such as vibrational absorbing.