Magnet-induced aligning magnetorheological elastomer based on ultra-soft matrix

A novel magnet-induced aligning magnetorheological elastomer (MIMRE) based on ultra-soft polymeric matrix was prepared through an innovative synthetic approach, enables the magnetic particles to mobile and align in elastomer matrix under magnetic field at room temperature. The effect of polymeric matrix modulus on the formation of MIMRE was investigated in detail. It was found that the MIMRE showed excellent magnetorheological (MR) effect, and the absolute and relative MR effect was of 3.61 MPa and 17,286%, respectively. The relative MR effect of magnetorheological elastomer was almost 100 times higher than that of elastomers reported in previous literature. In addition, the application of MIMRE in actuators and self-healing materials was evaluated. The present MIMRE thus opens up a new avenue for the improvement of MR effect of magnetorheological elastomer, while avoiding the use of conventional plasticizer (e.g. silicon oil).