5 FABRICATION AND TESTING OF MR ELASTOMERS

MREs consist of a non-magnetic elastomeric matrix material in which

magnetic particles are dispersed. Isotropic elastomers are cured without the
application of magnetic field and the magnetic particles inside the matrix can form
self-assembled structures, whereas anisotropic materials can be produced by placing
the MRE mixture in a magnetic field during the curing process. The magnetic
particles are locked into the positions after the elastomeric material has been cured; as
such this forces the magnetic particles to align in chains and columns. A silicone
rubber mixed with silicone oil, resulting in a matrix material with low viscosity and
small zero-field modulus, was used as the matrix material. Carbonyl Iron Powder
(CIP), with an average particle size of approximately 3μm, was employed as the
magnetic particles. Details and properties of the chosen materials are discussed in
Sections 5.1 and 5.2. Isotropic and anisotropic MREs with different compositions
were produced with a reliable and repeatable manufacturing process as described in
Section 5.3. The manufactured elastomers are tested by using a Rheometer. The
method for testing the manufactured MREs is discussed in Section 5.4. The results are
portrayed and discussions on the results are provided in Section 5.5. Application of
MRE as vibration damping pad in machining is demonstrated in section 5.6 and
summary of this Chapter is given in section 5.7.

5.1 ELASTOMERIC MATRIX

For the preparation of isotropic and anisotropic MREs, two types of matrix
materials, AXXON-7020 EL manufactured by Axxon Material Science, supplied by
Tuffbond, and SYLGARD 170 from Dow Corning, are used. AXXON-7020 EL is two
part pourable silicone rubber, which, with the addition of catalyst, becomes a firm,
flexible rubber when cured at room temperature (Refer Appendix A-9). It can be
5 Fabrication and Testing of MR Elastomers

easily mixed and poured without pre-heating. It cures at room temperature. It is

generally used in potting and encapsulation applications to absorb shocks and
vibrations. Silicone rubber seems to be the best choice of matrix material for MRE
materials due to its good properties. It is a free flowing liquid and transparent to any
colour.
The system consists of the rubber component (Part A) and the catalyst
component (Part B): these both are mixed together with the ratio A: B = 10: 1. The
system can be cured at ambient temperatures within 24 hours. Fast curing at the
elevated temperatures is also possible. Properties of the silicone rubber are listed in
Table 5.1 (the data sheet can be found in Appendix A-1). The viscosity of the silicone
rubber is relatively high, making it difficult to mix in significant quantities of CI
particles. To reduce the viscosity of the uncured product and also to reduce the
modulus of the final cured elastomer samples, silicone fluid was added to the silicone
rubber matrix. In this investigation, silicone oil supplied by the company Tuffbond
was used.

Property Unit Values

Mix Ratio - 10:1
Colour (Part A) - White
Colour (Part B) - Colourless
Viscosity Cps 4000 –
8000
Tensile strength Kg /cm 15-20
Elongation % > 80
Pot life at 25- 28°C Minutes 30
Cure Time 25- 28°C mm/day 10
Hardness Shore-A 28-30
Service temperature °c -60 to +250

Table 5.1: Properties of silicone rubber AXXON-7020 EL.

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One more silicone compound, SYLGARD 170 (refer Appendix A-9) was also
used to prepare the elastomer samples. SYLGARD 170 is supplied by Dow Corning
and is also a RTV two part elastomer. It consists of a rubber component (Part A) and a
hardener (Part B) which is to be mixed in the ratio 1:1. It has a low viscosity and can
be cured at room temperatures. Accelerated curing is possible by the application of
heat. The cured elastomer has the Durometer Shore-A hardness. Mechanical
properties of the SYLGARD 170 elastomer are listed in Table 5.2 (data sheet can be
found in Appendix A-1).

Property Unit Values

Mix Ratio - 1:1
Colour (Part A) - Black
Colour (Part A) - White
Viscosity (Part A) Cps 3160
Viscosity (Part B) Cps 1110
Viscosity (Mixed) Cps 2135
Specific Gravity (Uncured Part A) - 1.37
Specific Gravity (Uncured Part B) - 1.37
Pot life at 25 °C minutes 15
Cure Time at 25 °C hours 24
Hardness Shore-A 47
Service temperature °c -45 to +200

Table 5.2: Properties of silicone rubber SYLGARD 170.

5.2 MAGNETIC PARTICLES

Carbonyl Iron Powder (CIP) supplied by Vision Metal Powders was chosen as
the magnetic particles. It is a soft grade high quality (YTF-HYC1) powder with an
average particle size of 3.35 µm. This powder is a grey, fine powder comprised of

spherical particles. CIP is characterised by its high purity, it contains 99% iron (see
Table 5.3). CIP is obtained from a thermal decomposition of iron

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Pentacarbonyl, ( ) . During the decomposition process, spherical particles form

on a nucleus, thereby developing a shell structure and the name CIP results from the
manufacture process. Iron particles are often considered to be the best choice for
manufacturing MREs because of their “high permeability, low remnant magnetisation
and high saturation magnetisation” [40]. These properties lead to a good inter-particle
attraction, and consequently to high MR effects [22]. Many researchers have used CIP
as magnetic particles (as discussed in Section 2.3). The properties of CIP of grade
YTF-HYC1 are listed in Table 5.3.

Property Unit Values

Average Particle Micron 3.35
Size
Apparent Density g/cm3 2.54
Tap Density g/cm3 4.20
Iron % > 99
Carbon % < 0.036
Oxygen % < 0.28
Nitrogen % < 0.01

Table 5.3: Specifications of the carbonyl iron powder of grade YTF-HYC1.

5.3 MANUFACTURE PROCESS

Using AXXON-7020 EL and SYLGARD 170, isotropic and anisotropic

elastomers were manufactured with different proportions of the non-magnetic matrix
and the magnetic particles. By referring to the technical data sheets of the products
and the relevant literature, reliable manufacture process was developed for preparing
MRE test samples. In the first phase, AXXON-7020 EL elastomers were prepared.
This involved mixing of the two components in the ratio 10:1, up to 58 % of
carbonyl iron particles, up to 18 % of silicone oil and up to 24 % of rubber.
MRE samples with three different combinations of percentages of CIP, silicone oil

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and AXXON-7020 EL rubber were prepared as shown in Table 5.4. The components
and consumables are shown in Figure 5.1. The desired amounts of all the ingredients
were accurately measured with help of a digital weighing scale as shown in Figure
5.2. The magnetic particles (CIP YTF-HYC1) were first mixed thoroughly with
silicone the oil and then with the Part A for 3 minutes with the help of hand mixer.
Then the catalyst component was added to the mixture to manufacture the MREs.

Sample Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of

No. CIP (%) Silicone Oil (%) Silicone Rubber
(%)
1 58 0 42

2 58 10 32

3 58 18 24

Table 5.4: Composition of MRE samples of AXXON-7020 EL.

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Figure 5.1: Silicone elastomer components from Axxon Material Science and Dow Corning
Chemicals, Carbonyl Iron Particles and Silicone Oil from Vision Impex (a)
AXXON-7020 EL Part A and Part B (b) Silicone Oil (c) Carbonyl Iron Particles
(d) SYLGARD 170 Part A and Part B.

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(a) Digital Weighing Scale. (b) Weighed quantities of Part A, Part B

of SYLGARD 170, and CIP.

Figure 5.2 : Desired amounts of all ingredients accurately weighed to prepare MREs.

The pot life starts immediately after adding the hardener. For AXXON-7020
EL, the pot life is 30 minutes. The mixture was prepared in disposable cups. Then the
cup containing uncured mixture was kept in an air tight container. With the help of a
vacuum pump degassing was done to remove presence of air bubbles and ensure void-
free elastomer. The uncured mixture was degassed for 5 minutes as shown in Figure
5.3.

Figure 5.3: Degassing with a vacuum pump.

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All parts of the moulds were sprayed with a silicone release agent to ensure
smooth removal of the cured elastomer samples from the moulds after curing. The
MRE mixture was poured into the moulds immediately after the degassing process.
The moulds were made of aluminium and wood material (refer Appendix B-2 and B-3
for details) having zero magnetic permeability. In case of aluminium moulds
thickness of the mould cavity was kept adjustable to manufacture the MRE samples of
different thickness. The rectangular cavity of the mould has dimensions 20 x 40 mm,
and cylindrical cavities of 25 mm diameter. Also, cylindrical push pins were provided
to remove the cured elastomer samples easily from the moulds. Levelling screws were
also provided to keep the mould exactly horizontal. Different moulds were used to
prepare different shapes and sizes of the MREs as shown in Figure 5.4. The moulds
were cured under room temperature for almost 24 hours. Isotropic MREs were cured
under natural conditions, without the application of magnetic field as shown in Figure
5.5 and anisotropic MREs were cured under the influence of magnetic field as shown
in Figure 5.6. A simple self-made arrangement using perforated shelves of a plastic
rack served the purpose. Permanent magnets were employed for the application
magnetic field. Using nut and bolt arrangement, the distance between the two magnets
was adjusted to maintain magnetic field of 400 mT. A digital Gauss meter was
employed for measuring the magnetic flux density at the top and bottom sides of the
aluminium mould.
Similarly, in the later stage, isotropic and anisotropic elastomers samples using
SYLGARD 170 were prepared by mixing the two parts in equal proportions and
following the same process as mentioned above. The compositions used for preparing
the MRE samples using SYLGARD 170 are as shown in Table 5.5. The pot life for
SYLGARD 170 is 15 minutes and requires 24 hours for curing at normal room
temperature.

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Sample Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of

No. CIP (%) Silicone Oil (%) Silicone Rubber
(%)
1 58 18 24
2 66 14 20
3 74 8 18

Table 5.5: Composition of MRE samples of SYLGARD 170

Figure 5.4: Aluminium moulds for preparing MREs for rectangular shaped MREs

(a) (b)

Figure 5.5: Curing of Isotropic MRE samples without application of external magnetic field
(a) using aluminium moulds and (b) using wooden moulds.

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Figure 5.6: Curing of Anisotropic MRE samples under magnetic field using permanent
magnets.

5.4 TESTING OF MR ELASTOMERS USING RHEOMETER

The rheological properties of the manufactured samples of MREs were tested

using a Rheometer (Anton Paar MCR-52) along with an attachment for generating
variable magnetic flux as shown in Figure 5.7. The measuring system used in the
Rheometer (refer Appendix A-10 for details) consisted a parallel plate (PP 25)
measuring system. The diameter of measuring plates is 25 mm and the plates are
having serrations on the contacting surface. This avoids the slippage of MREs during
the rotation of the shaft of the measuring system. A minimum gap of 1 mm can be
maintained between the plates and is adjustable to accommodate the MRE samples of
different thicknesses. The top plate rotates while the bottom plate is stationary. A
magnetic coil capable of producing a magnetic flux of 0.8T was placed in the vicinity

of the test setup so that the flux returns are positioned exactly above and around the
upper plate of measuring system. After placing the MRE sample between the
measuring plates, the magnetic circuit is closed using the flux returns. Uniform and
homogeneous magnetic field was set perpendicular to the surface of the MRE. In the
application of MREs as structural materials, the load is often of the dynamic type. In
cyclic loading, the material deforms and returns back to its original form during one
cycle.

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(a) (b)

Figure 5.7: (a) Photograph of MCR 52 Rheometer (b) Schematic of Test Setup for MREs.

The oscillating force is varied periodically, usually with sinusoidal amplitude

at the angular velocity ω.
In MREs, the input deformation energy is stored and recovered during each
cycle and some amount is dissipated as heat. The storage modulus, G’ represents the
ability of the material to store the energy of deformation, which contributes to the
material stiffness. The loss modulus G” represents the ability of the material to
dissipate the energy of deformation.
Using the Rheometer, storage modulus, G’ and the loss modulus G” of the
prepared MRE samples were measured as a function of angular frequency ω under
different magnetic fields. Experiments were conducted at 25°C on both the types of
MREs using Rheoplus software. With the help ‘frequency sweep’ option under
‘oscillations’ tab available in the software, effect of varying frequency on the storage
modulus and loss modulus was studied. Similarly, with the help of ‘amplitude sweep’
option, effect of varying the strain amplitudes on the storage and loss modulus was
studied. The magnetic flux was varied for each test run and the results were collected.

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5.5 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Initially, test results of the isotropic MRE samples of AXXON-7020 EL having

the compositions as mentioned in Table 5.4 were obtained in terms of the shear
modulus. The readings were noted without the application magnetic flux (0 mT) and
with the application of magnetic flux (400 mT). The results are as shown in Figures
5.8. As seen from the graphs, the shear modulus changes with the oscillating
frequency and also due to the application magnetic flux density. Figure 5.8 (a)
represents the graph for Sample 1, prepared without mixing silicone oil. The plots for
the Samples 2 and 3 are represented in Figures 5.8 (b) and (c), respectively. The three
samples were compared for the change in modulus at 40 Hz frequency. The change in
modulus, DG’ and the ratio of change in modulus at 400 mT to the modulus at 0 mT,
DG’/G’0 for these samples are summarized in Table 5.5.

(a)

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(b)

( C)

Figure 5.8: Variation in Storage Modulus with Frequency and magnetic flux for isotropic
(a) Sample 1; (b) Sample 2; and (c) Sample 3 of AXXON-7020 EL.

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Sample DG’=(G’400mT – G’0mT) DG’/G’0

No. MPa %
1 0.05 12.19
2 0.1 24.39
3 0.38 60.31

Table 5.6: Variation of Storage Modulus of silicone rubber AXXON-7020 EL isotropic

samples.

For the Sample 1, which was made without mixing the silicone oil, the change
in modulus was observed to be 0.05 MPa, and the ratio of change in modulus is
12.19%, which is comparatively very less. This indicates that the carbonyl iron

particle distribution in the matrix is random and there is no self alignment and hence
when the magnetic field is applied, there is no formation of chain like structures. For
the Sample 2, there was moderate change in the modulus resulting in almost 25%
increase. For the Sample 3, the change ratio was found to be very large as 60.31%.
This indicates that the carbonyl iron particles dispersed in the silicone oil attach each
other and form a partial microstructure. When the sample is subjected to a strong
magnetic field, the particles in the microstructure get magnetized and move further to
form more aligned structure. This increases the amount of energy required to deform
them, thus producing higher MR effect. This shows that the composition used to
prepare the Sample 3, i.e. 58% CIP, 18% silicone oil and 24% rubber (henceforth
abbreviated as 58-18-24), gives the best results as compared to the other samples and

gives higher MR effect.

Further, the anisotropic samples were tested in the similar manner. During the
tests, the direction of the applied magnetic field was kept same as that of the curing.
This helps to align the particle chains further and produces quick magnetization
effect. The test results of the anisotropic sample of AXXON-7020 EL having the best

composition (58-18-24) are represented Figure 5.9.

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(a)

(b)

Figure 5.9: Variation in (a) Storage Modulus and (b) Loss Modulus, with Frequency and
magnetic flux for AXXON- 7020 EL anisotropic sample (58-18-24).

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As seen from Figure 5.9 (a), the shear modulus of the anisotropic sample shows
increasing trend with the applied magnetic field intensity. The shear modulus
increases considerably up to 1.2 MPa for 500 mT field at 40 Hz frequency. There
onwards the slope decreases with the increase in magnetic field. This happens due to
the magnetic saturation of the carbonyl iron particles. Also, the modulus shows
increasing trend with the loading frequency, which conforms the behaviour of the
MRE sample. Figure 5.9 (b) indicates that the loss modulus is increases initially at
lower frequencies as the magnetic field increases and then decreases at higher
frequencies and magnetic field intensities.
Similarly, the test results for the isotropic and anisotropic (58-18-24) MRE
samples of SYLGARD 170 are obtained and depicted in Figures 5.10 and 5.11. The
change in modulus at 40 Hz frequency and 400 mT magnetic flux density was
recorded as 0.36 MPa and the ratio of change in modulus as 58.06%.

Figure 5.10: Variation in Storage Modulus with Frequency and magnetic flux for isotropic
sample (58-18-24) of SYLGARD 170.

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Thus, the isotropic sample (58-18-24) of SYLGARD 170 also exhibits the high
MR effect. Also, the variation in shear modulus of the anisotropic samples of
SYLGARD 170 shows similar trends as that of the AXXON-7020 EL samples and
proves to be suitable for visco-elastic applications.

(a)

(b)

Figure 5.11: Variation in (a) Storage Modulus and (b) Loss Modulus, with Frequency and
magnetic flux for SYLGARD 170 anisotropic sample (58-18-24).

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(a)

(b)

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Magnetic Flux (mT)

(c)

Figure 5.12: Variation in damping ratio with (a) variation in strain amplitudes and magnetic
flux at 5Hz frequency (b) variation in driving frequency and magnetic flux (c)
variation in composition for SYLGARD 170 anisotropic samples.

Damping ratio for SYLGARD 170 (58-18-24) sample was measured at 5 Hz

driving frequency under various magnetic fields from 0 mT to 900 mT and at different
dynamic strain amplitudes of 0.03%, 0.15%, 0.25% and 0.40%. The damping ratio of
the MRE constitutes the damping ratio of the each component and the energy
dissipation at the interface between them. The obtained results are as shown in Figure
5.11 (a). For dynamic strain amplitudes of 0.15%, 0.25% and 0.40%, the damping
ratio first increases and then slowly decreases with the variation in the applied
magnetic flux densities, but for the 0.03% strain, the increasing and decreasing trend
is not observed. This indicates that at this value there is not much slipping
displacement between the particles and the matrix interfaces. From Figure 5.11 (b), it
is observed that for the frequency 5 Hz, the damping ratio is higher as compared with
other frequencies and it gets reduced with increase in frequency and also at higher
magnetic fields. This indicates that at lower frequencies, the magnetic field has more

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impact on the damping ratio and at the increased frequencies there is a little effect of
it on interfacial slipping and the energy dissipation. The damping ratio for the samples
with higher CIP percentage shows higher values of damping ratios. The ratios shows
increasing trend with increase in the magnetic flux up to 400 mT and slowly decrease
with further increase in the flux densities as shown in Figure 5.12 (c). This happens
because with the increase in the iron particles, the energy dissipation and interfacial
slipping also increases initially and later when the particles are magnetically saturated,
the damping ratio tends to decrease.
The test results obtained in this study are compared with the results and test
parameters of similar experimental work by earlier researchers as mentioned in the
literature review and the summary is presented in the Tables 5.7 and 5.8.

Deng Gong Rao

Matrix Silicone Rubber Silicone Rubber Gel copolymer
MRE material

Particles CIP 3-5µm CIP 3µm CIP 2-10 µm

VPC Not mentioned 20-70% vol. 10-70 % wt.
Curing Anisotropic Isotropic --
Magnetic Flux 1T -- --
Apparatus DMA Self-developed Self-developed
Frequency/Strain 10-30 Hz 100-600 Hz 0.1-0.7
Test

Direction  loading  loading  loading

Magnetic Flux
900 mT 200 mT 0.7 T
Relative 14 % 51% 50%
MR

Table 5.7: Summary of work performed by Deng and Gong [2], Gong et al. [48] and Rao et
al. [47] indicating the MRE material, test parameters, and resulting MR effect.

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Gordaninejad Yu This Study

Matrix Silicone Rubber Silicone Silicone Rubber
Particles CIP 2-8µm Rubber CIP 3.35 µm
MRE material

VPC 23.9% CIP 2-8µm 58-74 % wt.

Curing Anisotropic 20-70% vol. Isotropic &
Magnetic Flux 1T Anisotropic Anisotropic
Not mentioned (0 and 400 mT)
Apparatus -- -- Rheometer
Frequency/Strain 0.15 1.2 10-40 Hz; 0.03-0.4
Test

Direction  loading  loading  loading

Magnetic Flux
700 mT 47.9 mT 800 mT
Relative 37 % 25% 60.31%
MR

Table 5.8: Summary of work performed by Gordaninejad et al. [49], Yu et al. [50] and This
Study indicating the MRE material, test parameters, and resulting MR effect.

5.6 APPLICATION OF MRE AS VIBRATION DAMPING PAD IN MACHINING

The objective of this experiment was to study the performance of MREs as

vibration pads and check the controllability on cutting tool vibrations. The cutting tool
vibrations affect the quality of surface of the machined components. The surface
roughness of a workpiece is proportional to the cutting tool acceleration which in turn
is dependent on the other independent parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate and
depth of cut. In this experiment, the effect of use of MRE vibration pad on surface
finish of the components turned on CNC lathe machine was studied. The intention of
the experiment was to find only the surface finish of the workpieces machined by
using the MRE vibration pads. The cutting tool vibrations i.e. accelerations are not
measured in this experiment. The rectangular sample of isotropic MRE made from
SYLGARD 170 was selected for the study. The single point cutting tool was supported

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by placing this MRE slab in the tool holder. Some pre-experiments were conducted in
order to find optimum parameters for machining, such as cutting speed, feed and
depth of cut. Taguchi L9 approach was used to design the experiment. The effect of
variation in the magnetic field on the properties of the MRE and in turn on the surface
finish of the component was determined.

5.6.1 Experimentation

The experimental setup is as shown in Figure 5.13. It includes a CNC lathe

machine, single point turning tool with tool holder, MRE vibration pad to support the
tool, an electromagnetic coil for application of the magnetic flux, an autotransformer
unit to vary the current in the coil, and a surface roughness measuring device (Surf
Test Meter - Mitutoyo). Experiments were conducted for simple step turning
operations by setting the predetermined values of cutting parameters and by applying
varying magnetic field values as 0 mT, 500 mT, and 800 mT.

Figure 5.13: Experimental setup using MRE vibration pad for turning operation.

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5.6.2 Results

The averaged values of surface finish obtained using vibration damping pad
under different magnetic field intensities are tabulated in Table 5.9 and the graphical
representation of the results is as shown in Figure 5.14.

Cutting Depth of Feed Rate Magnetic Field

Speed rpm Cut, mm mm/rev. 0 mT 500 mT 800 mT
300 0.4 0.1 2.287 2.224 2.208
300 0.5 0.2 2.625 2.230 2.192
300 0.6 0.3 3.492 2.826 2.780
450 0.5 0.2 3.028 2.672 2.569
450 0.6 0.3 3.501 2.736 2.651
450 0.4 0.1 3.876 2.105 2.101
600 0.6 0.3 3.411 2.536 2.410
600 0.4 0.1 3.172 2.276 2.135
600 0.5 0.2 3.256 2.105 2.100

Table 5.9: Values of surface roughness at different magnetic fields.

Figure 5.14: Representation of surface roughness values at 0 mT, 500 mT and 800 mT.

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From the observation table, it is clearly seen that the surface roughness values
improved as the magnetic field was increased. For the run 6, the roughness value at 0
mT changed from 3.876 µm to 2.105 µm to 500 mT and further to 2.101 µm at 800
mT indicating 45% change. This proves that the MRE vibration pad reduces the
vibrations of the cutting tool considerably and improves the surface quality of the
machined components.

5.7 SUMMARY

Isotropic and anisotropic MREs with different compositions were

manufactured using two different silicone rubbers compounds viz. AXXON 7020 EL
and SYLGARD 170. The percentage of carbonyl iron particles was fixed as 58% and
the percentage of the silicone oil and rubber was varied. Experiments were conducted
using Rheometer to analyze the performance of the manufactured MREs. Magneto-
rheological properties of the isotropic MREs were investigated by subjecting them to
variable oscillating frequencies and variable magnetic field intensities. Isotropic MRE
Sample 1 (58-0-42) made from AXXON 7020 EL containing 58% CIP and 42% rubber
showed 0.05 MPa change in the storage modulus at 40 Hz frequency, when the
magnetic field intensity was changed from 0 mT to 400 mT. This change is

comparatively less as the sample contained no oil and the particle distribution was
random. For AXXON 7020 EL Sample 2 (58-10-32), change in storage modulus
increased moderately by 0.1 MPa with the addition of silicone oil. The ratio of change

modulus was almost 25% in this case. For the Sample 3 (58-18-24), change in
modulus observed was 0.38 MPa and the change ratio was found to be very large and
promising as 60.31%. Also, for the SYLGARD 170 Sample 1 (58-18-24) the change in
modulus at 40 Hz frequency and 400 mT magnetic flux density was recorded as 0.36
MPa and the ratio of change in modulus as 58.06%.
This indicates that the carbonyl iron particles dispersed in the silicone oil
attach each other and form a partial microstructure. When the samples were subjected

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to a strong magnetic field, the particles in the microstructure got magnetized and
moved further to form more aligned structure. This increases the amount of energy
required to deform them, thus producing higher MR effect. Thus, it is concluded that
microstructure and composition of the MREs have significant impact on the obtained
MR effect.
Similarly, the anisotropic samples of both the types showed increasing trend in
the storage moduli with increased magnetic field intensities. For AXXON 7020 EL
anisotropic sample, the modulus reached up to 1.3 MPa and for SYLGARD 170 it
became 1.1 MPa at 800 mT. As, the storage modulus shows increase with the loading
frequency, and magnetic flux densities, visco-elastic behaviour of the MRE sample is
confirmed. This increase in the storage modulus is considered as the increase in the
stiffness of the MREs. This behaviour of MREs can be linked with the structures to
modify the response of a mechanical system subjected to external disturbances.
Damping properties of the SYLGARD 170 samples were evaluated by varying
the dynamic amplitude strains and also the driving frequencies under different
magnetic flux densities. Damping ratio at lower frequencies and higher amplitude
strains is higher due to the interfacial slipping and energy dissipation. Also, at lower
frequencies and higher magnetic flux values, damping ratio exhibits increasing trend.
With the increase in CIP content, the damping ratio gets increased as observed for the
Sample 2 (66-14-20) and Sample 3 (74-8-18).
Further, the SYLGARD 170 Sample 1 was used as vibration damping pad in
the application of turning. It was observed that, vibrations of the cutting tool were
reduced considerably and improved the surface quality of the machined components.
Thus, the rheological properties of the manufactured MREs are
instantaneously and reversibly controlled. MREs exhibited variable stiffness and
damping properties and the efficient performance in terms of rheological properties

proved their suitability for vibration control applications.

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This important feature of controllable variable stiffness of MR elastomers is

combined along with the controllable damping property of MR fluids to develop a
smart system which could provide better and efficient vibration attenuation, as
discussed in the next Chapter.

91