Investigation of the performance of dopamine‐modified carbon fiber‐reinforced natural rubber‐based magneto‐rheological elastomers

Abstract

Five types of magneto‐rheological elastomers (MREs) based on natural rubber were synthesized by incorporating carbonyl iron particles (CIP) as the primary filler. The objective was to investigate the influence of carbon fiber and magnetic particle content on the mechanical and magneto‐rheological properties of the MREs. Carbon fibers (CF) were further added as secondary reinforcement pre‐modified with polydopamine. The composite's microstructure was examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the mechanical and magnetodynamic properties were assessed using an electronic universal testing machine and an advanced rotational rheometer. The addition of appropriate amounts of CIP and CF resulted in increased rubber modulus, indicating the formation of a filler‐rubber network and the synergistic effect between carbon fibers as a supporting structure and CIP. Compared to the unfilled MREs, the mechanical and magnetodynamic properties were further improved by adding 2 and 4 wt% CF. These findings demonstrate that employing carbon fibers as reinforcing fillers and incorporating suitable magnetic fillers can enhance the magnetic and mechanical properties of the materials, providing a theoretical basis for the study of MREs' performance.Highlights CF and CIP synergistically enhance the strength of the rubber matrix. The MR effect is gradually enhanced with the increase of CIP content. Modified CF has a promoting effect on the magnetic responsivity. Magnetic responsivity increases with increasing modified CF content. Improved mechanical and magnetodynamic properties of composites.