Large-strain behaviour of Magneto-Rheological Elastomers tested under uniaxial compression and tension,and pure shear deformations

The large-strain behaviour of Magneto-Rheological Elastomers (MREs) is characterised experimentally under uniaxial compression, uniaxial tension and pure shear deformation, in the absence and in the presence of magnetic fields. MREs are ‘smart’ materials that can alter their properties instantaneously by the application of external stimuli. They hold great potential for use in adaptive stiffness devices. So far, the large-strain behaviour of MREs has not been well explored, and their behaviour under pure shear deformation has not been characterised. Tests on silicone rubber based isotropic and anisotropic MREs, with and without the application of an external magnetic field have been performed in this investigation. The MR effect, defined as the increase in tangent moduli, is studied versus large engineering strain. Strains were measured optically using a Digital Image Correlation (DIC) system. Relative MR effects up to 284% were found under uniaxial tension, when a magnetic field strength of 290 mT was applied with the loading direction parallel to the direction of particle alignment.     

Effect of Cyclic Deformation on Magnetorheological Elastomers

Fatigue properties of magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) samples were investigated based on cis-polybutadiene rubber by using a fatigue test machine. Three MRE samples with iron particles mass fraction of 60%, 70%, and 80% were fabricated, and their properties dependence of three strain amplitudes (50%, 75%, and 100%) were measured. The absolute magnetorheological (MR) effect, storage modulus, and loss modulus of MRE samples after fatigue were evaluated by a modified dynamic mechanical analyzer. The results revealed that MR effect, storage modulus, and loss modulus of MREs containing 80% iron particles depended strongly on the strain amplitudes and the number of cycles, while storage mod-ulus and loss modulus of MREs containing 70% iron particles also depended on the strain amplitudes and the number of cycles but not as strongly as sample which contains 80% iron particles, but the properties of MREs containing 60% iron particles after cyclic deforma-tion were almost independent of the fatigued conditions. In order to investigate the fatigue mechanism of MREs, the sample was carried out with a quasi-static tensile testing and its surface morphology during testing was observed in situ by scanning electron microscopy.     

Experimental characterization and viscoelastic modeling of isotropic and anisotropic magnetorheological elastomers

The paper presents experimental research and numerical modeling of dynamic properties of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs). Isotropic and anisotropic MREs have been prepared based on silicone matrix filled by micro-sized carbonyl iron particles. Dynamic properties of the isotropic and anisotropic MREs were determined using double-lap shear test under harmonic loading in the displacement control mode. Effects of excitation frequency, strain amplitude, and magnetic field intensity on the dynamic properties of the MREs were examined. Dynamic moduli of the MREs decreased with increasing the strain amplitude of applied harmonic load. The dynamic moduli and damping properties of the MREs increased with increasing the frequency and magnetic flux density. The anisotropic MREs showed higher dynamic moduli and magnetorheological (MR) effect than those of the isotropic ones. The MR effect of the MREs increased with the rise of the magnetic flux density. The dependence of dynamic moduli and loss factor on the frequency and magnetic flux density was numerically studied using four-parameter fractional derivative viscoelastic model. The model was fitted well to experimental data for both isotropic and anisotropic MREs. The fitting of dynamic moduli and loss factor for the isotropic and anisotropic MREs is in good agreement with experimental results.     

Influence of particle coating on dynamic mechanical behaviors of magnetorheological elastomers

In this paper, core-shell structured poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) coated carbonyl iron (CI) particles were prepared to study the influence of particle coating on the dynamic properties of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs). The CI-PMMA composite particles were encapsulated via an emulsion polymerization method. Two MRE samples were prepared with CI-PMMA composite particles and CI particles, respectively. Their microstructure was observed by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Dynamic properties of these two samples under various strain and magnetic fields were measured with a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The experimental results indicate that the MRE sample with CI-PMMA composite particles has larger storage modulus, smaller loss factor and smaller Payne effect than that of the sample with only CI particles. The analysis indicates that the use of CI-PMMA particles would increase the bond strength between particles and matrix. These experimental results were also verified by the SEM images.     

Determination of reliable fatigue life predictors for magnetorheological elastomers under dynamic equi-biaxial loading

Fatigue life prediction is of great significance in ensuring magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) based rubber components exhibit reliability and do not compromise safety under complex loading, and this necessitates the development of plausible fatigue life predictors for MREs. In this research, silicone rubber based MREs were fabricated by incorporating soft carbonyl iron magnetic particles. Equi-biaxial fatigue behaviour of the fabricated MREs was investigated by using the bubble inflation method. The relationship between fatigue life and maximum engineering stress, maximum strain and strain energy density were studied. The results showed that maximum engineering stress and stored energy density can be used as reliable fatigue life predictors for SR based MREs when they are subjected to dynamic equi-biaxial loading. General equations based on maximum engineering stress and strain energy density were developed for fatigue life prediction of MREs.     

Anisotropic magnetoresistance and piezoresistivity in structured Fe3O4-silver particles in PDMS elastomers at room temperature

Magnetorheological elastomers, MREs, based on elastic organic matrices displaying anisotropic magnetoresistance and piezoresistivity at room temperature were prepared and characterized. These materials are dispersions of superparamagnetic magnetite forming cores of aggregated nanoparticles inside silver microparticles that are dispersed in an elastomeric polymer (poly(dimethylsiloxane), PDMS), curing the polymer in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. In this way, the elastic material becomes structured as the application of the field induces the formation of filaments of silver-covered inorganic material agglomerates (needles) aligned in the direction of the field (parallel to the field). Because the magnetic particles are covered with silver, the MREs are not only magnetic but also electrical conductors. The structuration induces elastic, magnetic, and electrical anisotropic properties. For example, with a low concentration of particles in the elastic matrix (5% w/w) it is possible to obtain resistances of a few ohms when measured parallel to the needles or several megaohms in the perpendicular direction. Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe(3)O(4) NP) were synthesized by the coprecipitation method, and then agglomerations of these NPs were covered with Ag. The average size of the obtained magnetite NPs was about 13 nm, and the magnetite-silver particles, referred to as Fe(3)O(4)@Ag, form micrometric aggregates (1.3 μm). Nanoparticles, microparticles, and the MREs were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, EDS, diffuse reflectance, voltammetry, VSM, and SQUID. At room temperature, the synthesized magnetite and Fe(3)O(4)@Ag particles are in a superparamagnetic state (T(B) = 205 and 179 K at 0.01 T as determined by SQUID). The elastic properties and Young's modulus of the MREs were measured as a function of the orientation using a texture analysis device. The magnetic anisotropy in the MRE composite was investigated by FMR. The electrical conductivity of the MRE (σ) increases exponentially when a pressure, P, is applied, and the magnitude of the change strongly depends on what direction P is exerted (anisotropic piezoresistivity). In addition, at a fixed pressure, σ increases exponentially in the presence of an external magnetic field (H) only when the field H is applied in the collinear direction with respect to the electrical flux, J. Excellent fits of the experimental data σ versus H and P were achieved using a model that considers the intergrain electron transport where an H-dependent barrier was considered in addition to the intrinsic intergrain resistance in a percolation process. The H-dependent barrier decreases with the applied field, which is attributed to the increasing match of spin-polarization in the silver covers between grains. The effect is anisotropic (i.e., the sensitivity of the magnetoresistive effect is dependent on the relative orientation between H and the current flow J). In the case of Fe(3)O(4)@ Ag, when H and J are parallel to the needles in the PDMS matrix, we obtain changes in σ up to 50% for fields of 400 mT and with resistances on the order of 1-10 Ω. Magnetoresistive and magnetoelastic properties make these materials very interesting for applications in flexible electronics, electronic skins, anisotropic pressure, and magnetic field sensors.     

Analysis and Verification on the Chain-like Model with Normal Distribution of Magnetorheological Elastomer

Magnetorheological elastomer （MRE） is a new kind of smart materials, the rheological properties can be controlled rapidly by the external magnetic field. It is mainly composed of rubber and micron-sized ferromagnetic particles, which forms a chain-like structure. Therefore its mechanical, electric, and magnetic properties can be changed by the applied magnetic field, which is called as the magneto-induced effect. But this effect is not remarkable enough currently for the engineering application. So it is important for material preparation to optimize parameters to enhance the magneto-induced effect. In this work, based on chain-like model, some factors influencing the magneto-induced effect of MRE were analyzed theoretically by using dipole method with the normal distribution of chain＇s angle introduced. The factors included the oblique angle of particles chains, magnetic field intensity, and shear strain, etc. Some experiments were also carried out.     

Magnetic resonance energies of heterocyclic conjugated molecules

Magnetic resonance energy (MRE), derived from ring-current diamagnetic susceptibility, can be interpreted as a kind of aromatic stabilization energy. For polycyclic conjugated hydrocarbons, this quantity correlates well with topological resonance energy (TRE). MREs for typical heterocyclic conjugated molecules were then calculated and analyzed. It was found that even for heterocycles MRE highly correlates with TRE. Thus, the MRE concept has been firmly established as a reliable indicator of aromaticity, which mediates magnetic criteria of aromaticity with energetic ones. The conformity of heterocycles to the rule of topological charge stabilization can be checked using not only TRE but also MRE.     

Impact testing of polymeric foam using Hopkinson bars and digital image analysis

The present investigation aims at testing polymeric foam under impact loading using large diameter nylon Hopkinson bars and optical field measurements. Accurate average stress-strain relations can be obtained when soft large diameter polymeric pressure bars and the appropriate data processing are used. However, as there are generally no homogeneous strain and stress fields for polymeric foams, an optical field observation is needed. In contrast to quasi-static tests where the digital image correlation (DIC) measurement is commonly used, technical difficulties still remain for the reliable use of DIC under impact conditions. In this paper, an accurate synchronization method based on the displacement measurement of the end of pressure bars (calculated by a robust DIC algorithm) is preferred to conventional MCDL box time synchronization. Also, the bar end displacement measurement offers a complementary calibration method for the tension/strain conversion coefficient. Strain fields are obtained for tests on foam sample at impact velocities up to 20 m/s. The localized strain fields permit better understanding of the observed stress plateau from SHPB results. The relevance of the present method for establishing mechanical response of polymeric foam is then demonstrated.     

Compressive properties of magnetorheological elastomer with different magnetic fields and types of filler

Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) specimens were prepared to find the optimum compressive characteristics using different types and amounts of iron powder. A magnetic field of up to 2 T was applied during vulcanization. Among the four types of iron powders, the specimen with round‐shaped carbonyl iron powder and small grain size shows higher magnetic effects than that with bigger and irregularly shaped electrolyte iron powder. However, the compressive modulus of the rubber with electrolyte iron powder is higher without magnetic treatment at a given amount. In general, the bigger and irregularly shaped iron particles tend to move slowly and produce nonuniform distribution when a magnetic field is applied. The experimental results show that the mechanical properties are better when applying a magnetic field of 1.5 T compared with 2.0 T during the specimen vulcanization. Applying a magnetic field of 300 mT during the compression test enhanced the compressive modulus by 12% to 15%. The rate of increase of the modulus decreased exponentially with prestrain.     

Mechanical properties of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) foils in use for neutrino detector project

The use of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) foils as engineering materials for aerospace, solar thermal collector and neutrino detector applications has attracted considerable attention in recent decades. Mechanical properties are indispensable for analyzing corresponding structural behavior to meet the demands of safety and serviceability. In this paper, uniaxial tensile tests taking into account loading speeds, uniaxial tensile cyclic tests in terms of stress amplitude and loading cycles and creep tests considering loading stress and time were carried out to characterize mechanical properties. For uniaxial tensile properties, elastic modulus, yield stress, breaking strength and elongation were analyzed in detail. It is found that these mechanical properties except breaking elongation increased with loading speeds and that mechanical properties obtained in transverse direction were more sensitive than those obtained in machine direction. For cyclic properties, elastic modulus and ratcheting strain tended to be stable after certain cycles, demonstrating that cyclic elastic moduli were more suitable for analyzing structural behavior than those obtained in uniaxial tensile experiments. For creep properties, apparent strain at 6 MPa suggested that special attention was necessary for analyzing structural behavior if maximum stress was larger than 6 MPa. In general, this study could provide useful observations and values for understanding mechanical properties of FEP foils.     

Deformation of isotropic and anisotropic liquid droplets dispersed in a cellulose liquid crystalline derivative

In this work we study the strain-induced deformation of both isotropic and anisotropic liquid droplets dispersed in a liquid crystalline cellulose matrix. We have produced two types of acetoxypropylcellulose (APC) solid films one with a droplet dispersion of the commercial liquid crystal E7 from Merck, and another with a droplet dispersion of silicone oil. To produce the solid films a solution of APC (60%wt) in dimethylacetamide (DMAc) with 15%wt of either the commercial nematic liquid crystal E7 or the silicone oil was prepared. After homogenization the phase separated solutions were submitted to a shear flow mechanical field and casted onto a Teflon plate. We performed mechanical uniaxial stress-strain tests in the free standing films recording continuously the strain and images of the deformed droplets. The mechanical tests were carried out using a mini stress-strain testing machine apparatus and an Olympus optical polarizing microscope with an attached CCD camera. The images obtained from the mechanical tests for each value of the imposed strain were then analyzed comparing the images of deformed droplets with those of the undeformed ones, extracting in this way the local strain field. The droplet deformation data obtained show, as expected, significant differences in the local strain field when stretching parallel and perpendicular to the initial shear direction. No significant differences were found in the local strain fields obtained from the silicone oil and the E7 droplets films. The local strain fields variation with the imposed strain are compared with the predictions of the theory developed for nematic elastomers by Warner and Terentjev (Liquid crystal elastomers. Clarendon Oxford Press, Oxford, 2003).     

Induced crystallization and orientation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) during uniaxial and biaxial elongation

Stretching PET at a high strain rate above the glass transition temperature has a positive effect on the strength of the material. In a recent paper^[1], we presented the influence of stretch and blow molding parameters on the properties of the final product, especially on the crystallinity induced by stretching. In this paper, we focus on the effects of loading, temperature, elongation and strain rate on macromolecular orientation and crystallization kinetics. We present experimental results from uniaxial and biaxial elongation tests carried out on injected PET specimens. To minimize the effect of quiescent crystallization, specimens are quickly heated with infrared lamps before the test and temperature is regulated during the test. Both uniaxial and biaxial tests are analyzed using a cross correlation technique^[2] that compares a picture used as reference and the picture of the deformed specimen. This technique allows us to determine all strain components at each point of the specimen, even when the strain field is not homogeneous. In a second part, we present measurements of macromolecular orientation and crystallinity ratio performed after each test. The infrared dichroïsm technique is used to determine the orientation of the microscopic morphology of PET before and after the testing. DSC measurements and density measurements are carried out to calculate the crystallinity ratio. Influences of strain rate, temperature and strain path sequence are evaluated in order to build a database for recent models of induced crystallization^[3],[4],[5].     

Material and structural behaviour of PMMA from low temperatures to over the glass transition: Quasi-static and dynamic loading

This work aims at characterizing the mechanical behaviour of polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) under high velocity impact conditions over a wide range of testing temperatures. To this end, the mechanical response at uniaxial compression is studied for both quasi-static and dynamic conditions covering testing temperatures below, at and above glass transition. A pseudo-brittle to ductile transition in the failure of PMMA is observed at a threshold that depends on testing temperature and strain rate. This analysis allows for the interpretation of the perforation impact tests and to explain the principal deformation and failure mechanisms. To complete the study, the Richeton model to predict yielding is revisited. Finally, we provide a new constitutive model for finite deformations to further identify the deformation mechanisms governing the mechanical behaviour of PMMA and the influence of temperature and strain rate on them.     

Experimental assessment of stiffness and energy dissipation properties of disk-shaped polymer-based composite specimens by in-plane torsion testing

Torsion testing machines are widely used either to measure the strength, stiffness and stress-strain properties of materials or to replicate real-life service conditions. In this paper, a novel experimental method is presented, based on the development of a dedicated steel structure to be used in conjunction with a universal testing machine. This equipment allows applying cyclic in-plane torsion loads on disk-shaped components. The proposed approach aims to enable the assessment of stiffness and damping properties on specimens enabling the application of higher loads in comparison with the traditional machines.Specifically, dynamic trials were performed by attaching the composite specimens and the steel structure to the testing machine, such that the uniaxial controlled displacements can be used to exert the desired cyclic loads onto the specimen. Both torsional stiffness and energy loss were measured from the steady-state load-displacement hysteresis cycles. Amplitudes of sine signals, from 0.05 to 0.2 mm, and a frequency ranging between 1 and 20 Hz, were used in the experiments. The results are presented comparing the behaviour of two polymer matrix composites, with the same number of identical laminae, but characterized by different stacking sequences, namely unidirectional and quasi-isotropic configurations.     

Enhancement of a magnetorheological PDMS elastomer with carbonyl iron particles

A magnetorheological elastomer based on silicone rubber with carbonyl iron micro-particles was developed. The influence of the different amount of iron particles was experimentally studied by means of XRD, SEM, FTIR, EDS, XPS, uniaxial tension and rheological and cyclic tests. Different contents of carbonyl iron particles (10–40 wt%) were used to obtain the ratio of magnetic particles/silicone rubber that could provide the best mechanical properties on the MRE material. It was found that the composite material can have an increase of about 95% in its tensile strength when adding 20% of carbonyl iron particles to the raw rubber material. SEM analysis indicates a good dispersion of the magnetic particles on the rubber matrix, and the FTIR and XPS techniques confirm, as expected, that there is no chemical interaction between the iron from the carbonyl iron particles and the silicone rubber matrix due to a proper coating of the particles with silicone oil used as coupling agent. The TGA results evidenced that the addition of coated carbonyl iron particles had an impact on the thermal stability of the MRE and on the formation of cross-linked structures. The viscoelastic behavior of the magnetorheological elastomer is described by running experimental test on a rheometer device. Furthermore, cyclic testing were performed on the material sample to characterize the Mullin's effect.     

The mechanism of the avian magnetic compass

The avian magnetic compass was analyzed by testing migratory birds, using their orientation as an indicator. These tests revealed some remarkable properties of the avian magnetic compass: (1) It is an inclination compass’, (2) it is light-dependent, with (3) receptors located in the right eye. These characteristics are in agreement with the Radical Pair model proposed by Ritz et al. (2000). Using the same experimental set-up, we tested the model by behavioral spectroscopy’, exposing migratory birds to radiofrequency fields of different frequencies and intensities. Such fields affected the orientation only when applied at an angle to the field lines. Tests with different frequencies led to an estimate of the life time of the crucial radical pair between 2-10 μs. We also could identify an extremely sensitive resonance at the Larmor frequency, which implies specific properties of the radical pair. Cryptochromes, a blue-light absorbing photopigment, has been proposed to be the receptor-molecule; it has been found to be present in the retina of birds.     

Stimulated aggregation, rotation, and deformation of magnetite-filled microcapsules in external magnetic fields

Microcapsules are nowadays applied in a wide range of products including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic formulations. Because of their pronounced viscoelastic properties, polymer microcapsules are able to undergo mechanical deformations when they are stimulated by external signals. The elongation of capsule membranes, up to bursting processes, is important for the controlled release of active ingredients under well-defined conditions. Their application as quick and reliable control release systems affords a detailed knowledge of their rheological and mechanical properties. The aims of our work were to prepare new types of magnetic switchable microcapsules and to investigate their deformation behavior in externally imposed magnetic fields. The magnetic sensitivity was achieved by encapsulating magnetic magnetite (Fe₃O₄) particles within a polyorganosiloxane capsule. We investigated the dynamic response of those capsule suspensions and single capsules to external magnetic forces where aggregation processes, rotational movements, and field-induced deformations in static or rotating fields were observed.     

Miniaturized Reference Electrodes. II. Use in Corrosive,Biological, and Organic Media

In a recent paper [9] we reported the manufacturing and performance of miniaturized reference electrodes (MREs) with low sensitivity to chloride ions and pH. Here, we demonstrate the wide range applicability of a MRE based on an Ag/Ag₂S internal reference element (IRE), imbedded in a photopolymerized hydrogel of improved composition, which contains the supporting electrolyte. Exchange current density, temperature coefficient, impedance value, and the voltammetric and potentiometric use of the Ag/Ag₂S‐based MRE are discussed relative to the previously reported Ag/AgSCN, Ag/Ag₃PO₄, and Ag/AgCl‐based MREs. No special or extensive conditioning is required when moving these MREs from aqueous supporting electrolyte to an organic solution or from one organic medium to another, and the equilibration time in a new medium is very rapid (<6 min). The new Ag/Ag₂S MRE has a highly stable potential in various media, including aqueous solutions (salt buffers and 20 wt.% H₂SO₄), biological samples (bovine serum albumin), mixed aqueous‐organic, and organic supporting electrolytes (methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile, propylene carbonate, methylene chloride, and DMSO). This is particularly advantageous when in the course of the electrochemical analysis an organic solution is being added to an aqueous supporting electrolyte. Such MREs are suitable for analyses of μL sample volumes and for use in protein‐containing media.     

Strain-tunable electronic properties and optical properties of Hf2CO2 MXene

Two-dimensional materials have been extensively applied because of their unusual electronic, mechanical, and optical properties. In this paper, the electronic structure and optical properties of Hf₂CO₂ MXene under biaxial and uniaxial strains are investigated by the Heys-Scuseria-Ernzerhof (HSE06) method. Monolayer Hf₂CO₂ can sustain stress up to 6.453 N/M for biaxial strain and 3.072 N/M for uniaxial strain. Monolayer Hf₂CO₂ undergoes the transition from semiconductor to metal under −12% strain whether it is under biaxial or uniaxial strain. With the increasing biaxial compressive strain, the blue shift of Hf-d, O-p, and C-p orbitals in valence band maximum results in the metallization of monolayer Hf₂CO₂, while the red shift of Hf-d and O-p orbitals in conduction band minimum results in the metallization of monolayer Hf₂CO₂ with increasing uniaxial compressive strain. The analysis of optical properties indicates that uniaxial strain weakens the reflectivity and refractive index of monolayer Hf₂CO₂ in the visible-light range. In addition, the effective mass and the charge distribution under biaxial and uniaxial strains are also explored.