Synthesis and Characterization of Highly Deformable Multilayer Magnetoactive Elastomers with Magnetically Soft Particles

Herein, a new highly deformable magnetoactive elastomeric material is developed. The elastomer is composed of a silicon‐based matrix and soft‐magnetic Fe microparticles. It presents a nonuniform multilayer internal structure, with highest particle concentration in one‐half of the thickness. These elastomers are produced in sheet and tubular formats, wherein multilayer distribution of the components is achieved by the gravitational and centrifugal force respectively. The study of the rheological properties shows a high change in the dynamic modulus of the elastomer in the presence of magnetic field, which is representative of a high magnetorheological effect. Regarding the deformability of the elastomer, to monitor the displacements and curvatures generated under the action of a magnetic field, an optical, noninvasive, and magnetic field‐insensitive system based on 3D stereoscopic technique is employed. Using this method, the digitization of the upper curved surface of the elastomer as a function of the applied magnetic field is obtained. From the digitized surfaces, the deformation of the material in response to a magnetic field is calculated, reaching deformations up to 23.7% at 207 kA m⁻¹. Moreover, the deformation level is linearly variable and controllable by the strength of the applied magnetic field, allowing dynamic deformation of the material.