A novel porous magnetorheological elastomer: preparation and evaluation

A new kind of magnetorheological elastomer (MRE), named porous magnetorheological elastomer (P-MRE), was prepared by filling with NH 4 HCO 3 . Two groups of samples with different content of NH 4 HCO 3 and carbonyl iron particles were prepared. The microstructures of the samples were observed by using a digital microscope, and image analysis was applied to analyze the microstructure of P-MRE. The dynamic performance of the shear mode was also investigated under different magnetic flux densities. The shear storage modulus, MR effect and loss factor were calculated by using a mechanical property measurement system. The experimental results indicate that the NH 4 HCO 3 has a greater impact on the properties of P-MRE, including the microstructures and dynamic mechanical performance. The increment of NH 4 HCO 3 content enhances the porosity of P-MRE, and decreases the shear storage modulus. Moreover, P-MRE has a more obvious MR effect than that of MRE without NH 4 HCO 3 filling, and the MR effect of P-MRE can be substantially increased by increasing the NH 4 HCO 3 and carbonyl iron particle content. The damping property is also affected by the NH 4 HCO 3 filling; the loss factor of the P-MRE can also be increased by increasing the NH 4 HCO 3 content. On the basis of these results, this study is expected to provide a good guide for optimization and design of a new kind of MRE.