Deformation of Magnetoactive Elastomers in Magnetic Field

Magnetoactive, also known as magnetorheological, elastomer is a composite material based on an elastic polymer filled with magnetic particles. The specifics of its deformation under the influence of magnetic fields have been the subject of this research. For instance, in non-homogeneous fields the degree of strain may reach hundreds of percent whereas magnetized samples containing high-coercivity (hard magnetic) components can suffer deformations occurring in a complex way. In addition to that, a sample responds to an external field with an increased roughness of its surface thus becoming more hydrophobic. The material also increases its stiffness by ten folds. These facts suggest that this elastomeric composite may be considered potentially useful for such areas as robotics and controllable damping units.