Effects of magnetic particles and carbon black on structure and properties of magnetorheological elastomers

Isotropic magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) consisting of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), carbon black and two different micron-sized iron particles (carbonyl iron powder (CIP) and bare iron powder (BIP)) were prepared for dynamic automotive applications such as tunable engine mounts, vibration absorbers and suspension bushings. The sample that contains 5 phr CIP and 60 phr carbon black has the best tensile strength, elongation at break and elastic modulus and the highest MR effect of 77%. Based on SEM and EDS, homogenous distribution of single CIP and its aggregates of 8 μm and larger BIP aggregates of 15–20 μm were observed with 30 phr loadings of CIP and BIP, respectively. EPDM/carbon black/CIP MREs show significant property improvements compared to EPDM/carbon black/BIP MREs. The system containing CIP particles has substantially lower damping factor, Payne effect, elastic modulus, hardness, aggregation behavior and higher tensile strength and elongation at break values compared to BIP system.