Magnetorheological elastomers for soft robotics

Design and optimization of magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) soft robots require reliable material parameters, yet comparative datasets covering multiple elastomer matrices and magnetic fillers are scarce. In this work, we present a standardized dataset combining mechanical and magnetic properties, density, hardness, and hyperelastic-model parameters for 48 silicone-based formulations (7 neat elastomers and 41 composites) prepared and characterized under the same conditions. Seven commercial silicones (Shore hardness 00-30 to 60A) were filled with carbonyl iron powder (CIP), Fe–Si–Al flakes (SP-3B), or magnetite (Fe \(_3\) O \(_4\) ) at contents of 30 wt% for all silicones and 10–70 wt% for chosen reference silicones. The saturation polarization of the composites increased monotonically with filler content, reaching 1.42 T for the 70 wt% CIP composites (relative permeability up to 3.5). The SP-3B filler provided the strongest mechanical reinforcement, significantly raising the Young’s modulus and stress at 100 % elongation for all investigated silicones. For example for 30 wt% of the filler content the Young’s modulus increases approximately 2.5 to 4 fold, and at the same time loss of stretchability by about 2 to 3 fold is observed. The CIP filler offers the best stiffness–ductility compromise with elongation at break exceeding 300% even at 70 wt%. All stress–strain curves were fitted with first- and second-order Ogden models, and the resulting parameter sets were validated by finite-element simulation. The openly available dataset is intended as a consolidated reference for material selection and modelling of MRE-based soft robots.