Preparation and mechanical properties of the magnetorheological elastomer based on natural rubber/rosin glycerin hybrid matrix

To improve the mechanical properties of the natural rubber based magnetorheological elastomers (MREs), rosin glycerin ester was added into the carrier matrix to enhance wettability and dispersibility of CI particles. Dynamic performance, including shear modulus, loss factor and viscosity of non-vulcanized matrix was measured by rheometer. In comparison to the natural rubber based MREs, the MR effect of these hybrid matrix MREs were higher and they can reach to 112% when the mass fraction of CI particles is only 60%. The contact angle was tested by drop shape analysis system (DSA) and it was found that the compatibility between the iron particles and matrix was improved. In combination of the microstructure and mechanical property analysis, a possible mechanism was proposed. Finally, the loss factor and tensile strength were studied. (paper)