Fabrication & Characterization of MR Nanocomposites based on Silicone Rubber (original) (raw)

Abstract Magneto-Rheological Nanocomposites(MRNCs) are the new category of smart materials which are sensitive against applied magnetic fields. MRNCs consisting of nano-sized carbonyl iron particles embedded in a silicone rubber matrix, display a variety of interesting properties to design the flexible actuators. To reach to the desired properties of nanocomposites, a laser ablation setup is employed to prepare the carbonyl iron’s nanoparticles. First, the micron-sized carbonyl iron powder is ablated to a range of 23-85 nanometers using laser ablation setup. Then, the MRNCs based on silicone rubber is successfully fabricated under isotropic condition and characterized by means of XRD , FESEM, DMTA and rheology as well. The magnetic properties of MRNCs are practically determined via a VSM test. Through successful fabrication of MRNCs , the sample beams are made and their displacements are measured against applied magnetic fields. The MRNCs beams will be the good alternatives for flexible gripper’s jaws.