Manufacture of Bulk Magnetorheological Elastomers Using Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding

Magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) consist of ferromagnetic particles embedded in a compliant matrix (i.e. elastomer). Due to the magnetic interaction of the ferromagnetic particles, MREs exhibit field dependent physical properties. Very significant changes in the modulus and loss factor of the elastomer can be realized. This makes MREs a promising candidate for active vibration control mechanisms. One factor currently limiting the implementation of this technology is the lack of an efficient manufacturing method that is practical for mass production. Most of the specimens created for previous MRE research were made using simple casting or mechanical mixing methods that are not ideal. In this research a new methodology for producing MREs using Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) was investigated. The method was used with a range of iron particles sizes and silicon elastomer systems and found to be effective within certain limits of applicability. The specimens produced were tested in compression under a range of magnetic fields to validate the presence of the MR effect. Relative changes in compressive modulus ranging from 35% to 150% (depending on volume fraction), under fields of around 0.3T were observed.