Friction and Wear Characteristics of Magneto-Rheological Elastomers Based on Silicone/Polyurethane Hybrid

Abstract

The friction and wear properties of four different types of magneto-rheological (MR) elastomer were investigated. The MR elastomers have different matrix materials and structures. Most MR elastomers have a silicone matrix, since it has a more significant MR effect under a magnetic field compared to other materials. The mechanical properties of silicone, however, are poor compared to other materials, so it is difficult to use them in engineering applications. Therefore, a new polyurethane matrix material was used to enhance the friction and wear properties of MR elastomer. Additionally, two different matrix materials (silicone and polyurethane) were synthesized, and MR elastomers were structurally combined to improve the friction and wear performance. The friction characteristics of each MR elastomer were evaluated under reciprocating operating conditions. Wear depth was also measured to estimate the wear resistance. The test results show that the friction and wear performance of the modified MR elastomers are enhanced compared with the silicone-based MR elastomer.

Magnetic Field Induced Surface Micro-Deformation of Magnetorheological Elastomers for Roughness Control

“…Comparing with the initial roughness Ra = 1.67 µm, the roughness of the MRE is decreased. The simulation results are consistent with previous experimental observations (Lian et al, 2015(Lian et al, , 2016Li et al, 2018) where the magnetic fields reduce the friction coefficient of MREs. However, when we evaluate the relative roughness changes as a function of the initial surface roughness of MREs, the magnetic fields do not always induce negative changes in surface roughness.…”

“…Lee et al (2013) employed a homemade linear sliding tester to evaluate the friction characteristics of MREs, and found that the friction coefficient of MRE decreased with the external magnetic field. Later, the same group (Lian et al, 2015(Lian et al, , 2016) applied a reciprocating friction tester to characterize four MRE samples, which were prepared by embedded particles in different matrix materials, and found the same phenomenon for all test conditions. The authors argued that the friction reduction of MREs under a magnetic field was due to the field-stiffening effect.…”

“…Recently, several experimental studies (Lee et al, 2013;Lian et al, 2015Lian et al, , 2016Li et al, 2018) have shown that the tribological properties of MREs also change with external magnetic fields, which would possibly extend the MRE's application in interfacial friction control. However, the mechanism of field-induced friction behavior of MREs is still unclear.…”

Effect of stick-slip on magneto-rheological elastomer with a magnetic field

“…Based on previous studies that showed silicon-based MREs have the best MR effect, silicon was used as the matrix for the MREs in this study [1,6,7]. The fabrication process of the MRE comprises mixing, pre-configuration, solidification, and cooling.…”

“…The tribology properties of MREs have been studied because the hardness of MRE can be changed by an applied magnetic field. Lee studied the tribological properties of MREs and showed that the friction coefficient of MREs can be changed under a magnetic field [6,7].…”