Magnetic elastomer composites with tunable magnetization behaviors for flexible magnetic transducers

Abstract

Magnetic elastomer composites are extending the field of soft robotics by integrating the flexibility of elastomers with the versatile performance of magnetic materials. In this work, a series of magnetic elastomers (BaCo_xTi_xFe_12–2xO₁₉/PDMS) with tunable magnetic response have been successfully synthesized. In this composite, the magnetic component consists of Co-Ti co-doped barium hexaferrite (BaCo_xTi_xFe_12–2xO₁₉, BCTF) nano powders, and the matrix is made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The coercivity (H_c) of BCTF can be reduced from 3950 Oe to 70 Oe, which bestow on the magnetic elastomer different magnetic response behavior. These magnetic elastomer composites obtained by blending have low Young's modulus, approximately 1.5 MPa. Furthermore, when applying the same external magnetic field, BaCo_1.2Ti_1.2Fe_9.6O₁₉/PDMS the magnetic deformation Angle can be as high as 60°. These magnetic elastomers exhibit different magnetic-induced deformation owing to the adjustable permeability of the magnetic nanoparticles. This research significantly advances the design of applications with specific magnetic characteristics, such as sensors and transducers, thus opening new horizons for innovation in soft robotics and related fields.