Investigation of tensile properties of RTV Silicone based Isotropic Magnetorheological Elastomers.

Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) consists of an elastomer matrix and a Ferro-magnetic ingredient. The mechanical properties of MR elastomers can be reversibly controlled by applying a magnetic field of suitable intensity. The current work focusses on the enhancement of tensile property of RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanization) silicone based elastomer. The influence of Carbonyl iron powder (CIP) content and magnetic field were experimentally investigated. Addition of CIP increases the tensile modulus but it reduces the percentage elongation and tensile strength making it brittle. Under the influence of magnetic field, the enhancement of tensile properties up to 20% content was linear. The behavior above 20% is observed to be non-linear. The onset of non-linear stress-strain behavior is investigated. Regression equation is developed from the experimental data relating percentage content with the mechanical properties of MRE. The developed equation predicted the behavior of 27% MRE with an error of less than 8%. Hyperelastic model developed by Yeoh was fitted to the stress-strain behavior of MRE with minimal error