Deterioration behavior of aged magnetorheological elastomer under harsh marine environment

• Published in: Express Polymer Letters
• Main Author: Zaini N.; Mazlan S.A.; Aziz S.A.A.; Johari M.A.F.; Ubaidillah U.; Nordin N.A.; Khairi M.H.A.; Hanafiah M.A.K.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BME-PT and GTE 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85193600525&doi=10.3144%2fexpresspolymlett.2024.54&partnerID=40&md5=4ad3bf80aa3261c58fd5bf1489dee617

Silicone rubber magnetorheological elastomers (SR-MREs) are increasingly recognized for their resilience in marine conditions, offering prolonged service life and durability. This study evaluates the one-month durability of silicone rubber magnetorheological elastomers (SR-MREs) under seawater conditions. Results revealed a 6% reduction in hardness and an 8% decrease in Young’s modulus compared to unimmersed samples. Morphological and attenuated total reflectanceFourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analyses supported these findings, revealing surface defects and chemical bonding changes. The immersed SR-MRE displayed a notable 250% increase in elongation at break, highlighting enhanced elasticity. Rheological properties revealed complex mechanical behavior, with an initial increase in storage modulus from 0.25 to 0.38 MPa in the presence of a magnetic field, followed by a gradual decrease to 0.15 MPa at 0 A and 0.52 MPa at 5 A with strain. Additionally, this study proposes an illustrative mechanism to elucidate the relationship between seawater elements and SR-MRE behavior, enhancing our understanding of its mechanical properties and degradation in marine environments, thus highlighting SR-MRE’s potential as a durable material compared to traditional rubber composites. © BME-PT.