Influence of matrix viscosity on the dynamic mechanical performance of magnetorheological elastomers

ABSTRACT Anisotropic magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) with different natural rubber matrix viscosities and industrial waste nickel zinc ferrite were prepared in order to assess the dynamic and mechanical performance of the materials. The curing characteristics of the anisotropic MREs were determined using a moving disk rheometer (MDR 2000). The loss tangent (tan δ) was measured through a parallel‐plate rheometer over a frequency range of 1─100 Hz (Hz) and a strain amplitude range of 0.1─6%. It was found that tan δ increased with increasing matrix viscosity over the range of frequency and strain amplitude explored. Furthermore, as the matrix viscosity increased, the height of the tan δ peak also increased and the glass transition temperature (Tg) valued shifted to a higher temperature. It was also found that tensile strength and elongation at break increased with increasing matrix viscosity. The SEM micrographs revealed that the columnar structures became longer and thicker with a decrease in matrix viscosity. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48492.