Microrheology of magnetorheological silicone elastomers during curing process under the presence of magnetic field

Abstract

A microrheological method is employed for the first time to continuously and undisturbedly monitor variations of viscoelasticity of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) based on silica-coated carbonyl iron particles (SiCIPs)-filled silicone during the curing process. Results indicate that the elasticity of MREs dramatically increases with increasing magnetic field intensity, which is much more significant in comparison with the slow process of silicone curing at 25 % and 40 % SiCIPs. The formations of chain-like structure of SiCIPs and cured network of silicone are recognized, both contributing to the rheology of MREs, suggesting the possibility of developing a facile method for adjusting the rheology and fixing the structure of a wide range of MREs by applying magnetic field during the curing of matrix.