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1. The compounds are electrically conductive and stable; 2. Suitable for 3D and 6D printing. Conducting PolymersMagnetoactive polymers are intelligent materials whose mechanical and electrical characteristics are reversibly influenced by external magnetic stimuli. They consist of a highly elastic polymer matrix in which magnetically soft and/or hard particles are distributed by means of special fabrication processes. In addition to ferromagnetic particles such as carbonyl iron powder, electrically conductive particles may also be embedded into the polymer matrix. After characterizing a range of compounds, this work focuses on a comparison of the electrical properties and the suitability of various materials for applications, with particular emphasis on integration into 3D and 6D printing processes. 6D printing is based on the selective positioning of particles in a 3D polymer matrix with a further three degrees of freedom for a graduated dispersion of the particles at certain points and in desired directions. The aim is therefore to ensure that the polymers containing electroconductive tracks have the best possible electrical properties, that is, low resistivity but are still capable of being printed. A comparison between the traditionally used compounds containing graphite and carbon black is made for the first time. This latter is found to be greatly superior both in terms of electrical conductivity and applicability to 3D printing and 6D printing.

This paper concerns recent research into the autonomous formation of micro-structures in low carbonyl iron powder (CIP) concentration magneto active polymers (MAP). Higher concentrations of CIP show an isotropic distribution of magnetic filler throughout the entire sample, while autonomous structure formation is possible at mass concentrations lower than 3%. The formation of micro-toroids commences as CIP concentration approaches 1% wt. Further development of coherent rings with a defined order follow as CIP concentrations increase toward 2% wt, whilst exceeding 3% wt leads to the same isotropic distribution found in higher concentration MAP. Structured samples containing between 1% wt and 3% wt CIP were investigated using X-Ray tomography where solitary structures could clearly be observed. The ring structures represent microinductivities whose geometries can be manipulated during fabrication. In addition, these structures are magnetic field sensitive. This is not only relevant to applications in the GHz and THz areas but recent research has revealed implications for optical, thermal, acoustic and even chemical MAP sensors.

This work describes the development of a new miniature extruder, essential to cavity-free 3D printing of silicone-based smart materials. This makes the 3D printing of magnetoactive and electroactive polymer soft robotic components and devices directly from CAD data possible. The special feature of such an extruder is that it is designed for use with addition-crosslinking RTV-2 silicones, including solid particulate additives. The extruder merges the respective components automatically during extrusion which obviates the need for premixing and vacuum evacuation. Problems associated with inhomogeneities and unwanted cavity production are consequently eliminated. Rheological details necessary to the design, together with some preliminary performance results, are presented.

A magnet which adheres to every surface, not only those of ferromagnetic materials, has hitherto been the domain of science fiction. Now for the first time such a novel device exists. The fusion of a permanently magnetized magnetoactive polymer containing hard magnetic particles and an electret enhanced with ferroelectric particles has resulted in the development of a new smart device—the magnetoactive electret. Magnetoactive electrets can be made to exhibit the usual magnetic properties of permanent magnetism together with the electrostatic properties of electrets. This results in simultaneous magnetoadhesion and electroadhesion forces from the same elastomeric element. The biasing field, needed to avoid discontinuities concerned with transition through the zero point in operating curves, is normally provided by means of either a magnetic or an electric field. This novel technology provides both bias options in a single device.