Silicone elastomers deformation peculiarities under compression

Abstract

This paper deals with the polymer composite material unique properties on self-restoration after ultimate compressive loads application. Material is based on polydimethylsiloxane elastomeric matrix with carbonyl iron particles isotropic fillers in concentration 75% wt. This composite mechanical characteristic ranges were studied in comparison with the characteristics of conventional polymer based on silicone elastomer without the fillers. The investigated material, the so-called magneto-elastic, demonstrated ability to self-restore its shape after extreme loads removal is a promising direction for the revealed unique property use and will probably be demanded for application in number fields of science and technology. The tests were carried out on an electromechanical testing machine. These materials investigating various compression modes results summarized as: the strain diagrams changes at different load ranges were plotted, the characteristics changes in their deformation properties were analyzed, the compression deformation linear and nonlinear characteristics limits were determined. The proposed compression method in various modes made it possible to determine the load changes ranges causing both irreversible changes in the conventional polymer based on silicone elastomer and its further destruction and the unique capability for self-recovery in a composite material, the so-called magneto-elastic, after similar types ultimate loads application to it.