Magnetic field‐enhanced anisotropic electrorheological elastomer with magnetic/electric dual‐responsive rod particles

Abstract As a type of field‐responsive smart material, electrorheological elastomers (EREs) have an adjustable modulus that is significantly affected by the orientation of the pre‐structures formed by dispersed particles. However, the imperfect orientation of the particles in the matrix under an external electric field limits the electrorheological (ER) performance of EREs. To solve this problem, rod‐shaped Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ magnetic/electric dual‐responsive particles were fabricated and used to prepare novel EREs that were cured under a magnetic field, and EREs cured under an electric field served as a control group. Compared with the control group, more robust and denser particle chain structures were observed in the EREs cured under a magnetic field, and the initial modulus and relative electrorheological effect (ER) were superior to those of the control group. This method can be used to prepare high‐performance EREs with strong zero‐field mechanical properties and a wide modulus adjustment range suitable for engineering applications. Highlights The magnetic/electric dual‐responsive rod‐shaped Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ particles were prepared. EREs filled with Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ particles were prepared under magnetic or electric field. More robust and denser particle chains were formed in the EREs cured under a magnetic field. The EREs solidified under a magnetic field have higher relative ER effects.