Magnetorheological Elastomer‐Based Materials and Devices: State of the Art and Future Perspectives

• Published in: Advanced engineering materials 2021-06, Vol.23 (6), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Díez, Ander García, Tubio, Carmen Rial, Etxebarria, Jon Gutiérrez, Lanceros-Mendez, Senentxu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: actuators; hybrid materials; magnetic nanocomposites; magnetorheological elastomers; sensors
• ISSN: 1438-1656; 1527-2648
• DOI: 10.1002/adem.202100240

Magnetorheological elastomers based on the combination of a polymeric matrix with magnetic fillers allow the possibility of controlling their mechanical properties when an external magnetic field is applied. This so‐called magnetorheological effect can be exploited for a variety of applications. Herein, a comprehensive outlook at the state of the art is provided, in terms of the materials, effects, and applications. The physical effects that result in the magnetorheological effect are described, both from a micro and phenomenological points of view. Then, the possible combinations of different polymeric matrices and magnetic fillers, along with other additives, are presented, allowing to tune the mechanical properties, mainly dependent on the polymer matrix, and the magnetic field response, which is related to the magnetic filler. Finally, representative applications of magnetorheological elastomers are presented. This review represents an up‐to‐date state‐of‐the‐art in the field of magnetorheological elastomers as a ground to highlight the main achievements and point the specific needs to improve their response and applicability by further tuning materials and configurations. Magnetorheological elastomers represent a class of magnetically activated smart and multifunctional materials. Their performance and applicability are determined by the intrinsic characteristics of both polymeric matrix and magnetic fillers. Thus, proper understanding and modeling of the underlying magnetomechanical coupling together with the selection and fine tuning of the physical–chemical properties of polymer and filler allows tailoring materials for specific applications.