3D Printable Self‐Sensing Magnetorheological Elastomer

Abstract

Magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) are a category of smart materials composed of a magnetic powder dispersed in an elastomeric matrix. They are characterized by the ability to change their mechanical properties when an external magnetic field is applied, called magnetorheological (MR) effect. When a conductive filler is added to a magnetorheological elastomer, the resulting hybrid filler composite showcases both MR and piezoresistive effects. For such a reason, these composites are referred to as self‐sensing magnetorheological elastomers. In this case, the synthesized self‐sensing magnetorheological elastomers are based on styrene‐based thermoplastic elastomers (TPS), carbonyl iron particles (CIP), and carbon black (CB). The hybrid filler concept using various coated CIP and constant CB content showed that above 25 vol.% CIP the resistivity increased rapidly. This work proposes the first case of a 3D printable self‐sensing magnetorheological elastomer and cyclic mechanical compression and tensile mode analysis at high deformation (up to 20% and 10%, respectively). The results showcase a magnetoresistive change of up to 68% and a piezoresistive change of up to 42% and 98% in compression and tension, respectively. In addition, the magnetostriction of the self‐sensing samples has been characterized to be 3.6% and 5.6% in the case of CIP 15 and 30 vol.%, respectively.