Research of the Mechanical Characteristics of a Magnetically Active Elastomer for Use as Part of a Vibration Isolation System in Vacuum

Abstract

Magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) is a polymeric material used in vibration control devices and shock absorbers. MAE belongs to the class of “smart materials”. Its rheological properties are controlled by an external magnetic field. The purpose of this work is to research the mechanical properties of different MAE compositions. The objectives of the research are to study the agent components in the MAE composition, to produce samples with different percentages of components, to investigate the elasticity modulus in tension and compression, to investigate the outgassing of the material. The obtained experimental research data indicate the effect of the applied carbonyl iron powder coating on MAE mechanical properties. Samples with poly-para-xylylene coating on carbonyl iron particles have lower stiffness coefficients and lower elasticity modulus. This composition had the greatest effect on properties of samples with a filler particle concentration of 30%. The elasticity modulus of a sample with a thin coating layer is two times less than the one of a sample with pure iron particles. The preliminary vacuum research of MAE, aimed at determination of the order of gas evolution flow, showed a significant amount of gases, mainly included in the atmospheric air gases. In the future, it is planned to test the vacuum characteristics of the MAE with a long pumping time and high temperature heating and mechanical tests in vacuum.