Tunable low range gr induced magnetorheological elastomer with magnetically conductive feedback

Abstract

The effect of graphite (Gr) based magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) on resistance is experimentally evaluated in this research. Isotropic and anisotropic MRE samples are prepared by utilizing Gr as a filler in MRE fabrication. The physical, rheological and resistance properties of Gr-MRE are investigated and compared to those of typical or conventional MREs without Gr. Morphological aspects of Gr-MRE are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, while rheological properties are evaluated using a rheometer. Subsequently, the resistance properties are investigated by using the designated test-rig. Based on the resistance evaluation, a curve describing the relationship of resistance (R) under different applied forces (F) and different magnetic fields (B) are established and plotted. Moreover, it is observed that the FESEM images shows the presence of Gr fractions, which contributes to the conductivity property of MRE. It is also observed that with the addition of Gr, the rheological and conductivity properties such as the storage modulus and resistance response are improved parallel with the increment of magnetic field. It is also demonstrated that the addition of Gr in MRE can contribute to the use of force detection in sensing devices.