Effect of Cross-Link Density of the Matrix on the Damping Properties of Magnetorheological Elastomers

The effect of cross-link density of the matrix on the controllable damping properties of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) has been investigated. MRE samples with different cross-link densities and plasticizer contents were fabricated and their microstructures were observed using an environmental scanning electron microscope (SEM). The dynamic performances of these samples were measured using a modified dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The experimental results indicated the magneto-induced change of loss factor was enhanced by decreasing the cross-link density. The plasticizer and the frequency markedly influenced the magneto-induced change of loss factor when the cross-link density of the matrix was low. In addition, by reducing cross-link density, the magneto-induced modulus and the relative MR effect increased. A mechanism for the magneto-induced change of loss factor was proposed and the analysis implied that the rearrangement of particles is an important influence on controlling the damping properties of MREs.