Magneto-rheological elastomer (MRE) composites belong to the category of smart materials whose mechanical properties can be governed by an external magnetic field. This behavior makes MRE composites largely used in the areas of vibration dampers and absorbers in mechanical systems. MRE composites are conventionally constituted by an elastomeric matrix with embedded filler particles. The aim of this review is to present the most outstanding advances on the rheological performances of MRE composites. Their distribution, arrangement, wettability within an elastomer matrix, and their contribution towards the performance of mechanical response when subjected to a magnetic field are evaluated. Particular attention is devoted to the understanding of their internal micro-structures, filler–filler adhesion, filler–matrix adhesion, and viscoelastic behavior of the MRE composite under static (valve), compressive (squeeze), and dynamic (shear) mode.

The smart materials subclass of magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) composites is presented in this work, which aimed to investigate the influence of filler distribution on surface morphology. Iron particles with sizes ranging from 20 to 150 µm were incorporated into the elastomer matrix and a 30% volume fraction (V%) was chosen as the optimal quantity for the filler amount in the elastomer composite. The surface morphology of MRE composites was examined by 3D micro-computed tomography (µCT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Isotropic and anisotropic distributions of the iron particles were estimated in the magnetorheological elastomer composites. The filler particle distribution at various heights of the MRE composites was examined. The isotropic distribution of filler particles was observed without any influence from the magnetic field during sample preparation. The anisotropic arrangement of iron fillers within the MRE composites was observed in the presence of a magnetic field during fabrication. It was shown that the linear arrangement of the iron particle chain induced magnetization within the composite. Simulation analysis was also performed to predict the particle distribution of magnetization in the MREs and make a comparison with the experimental observations.

An analysis of the shape memory effect of a NiTi alloy by using the spark plasma sintering approach has been carried out. Spark plasma sintering of Ti50Ni50 powder (20–63 µm) at a temperature of 900 °C produced specimens showing good shape memory effects. However, the sample showed 2.5% porosity due to a load of 48 MPa. Furthermore, an apparent shape memory effect was recorded and the specimens were characterized by uniformity in chemical composition and shape memory alloys of NiTi showed significant austenite phases with a bending strain recovery of >2.5%.

This paper describes a novel conjugate biodegradable sponge based on the tree gum kondagogu with excellent selective oil/organic solvent absorption ability. The conjugate sponge is made hydrophobic (water contact angle 133°) by post-process vapor phase silylation, has porosity of ≈94% with very low density (18.4 mg cm −3 ). The sponge can absorb selectively up to 19-43 times its weight of oils and organic solvents. Meanwhile, good reusability is also observed in up to at least 10 cycles. The biodegradation behavior is studied from BOD (biological oxygen demand) analysis, where the non-silylated and silylated sponges degraded over 28 days by 92% and 76%, respectively, in waste-water sludge. The novel conjugate bio-based and biodegradable sponge used in this study is a promising sustainable material for clearing oil spills and for water treatment.