Conductivity of Cobalt-Based Magnetorheological Elastomers (Co-MRE) with PDMS

Smart materials, such as magnetorheological elastomer (MRE), are frequently used in various applications because they have the ability to modify their properties. Cobalt particles are used as fillers in magnetorheological elastomers (MRE) because of their advantageous magnetic and electrical properties. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is employed for its electrical conductivity and biocompatibility. This research investigates the conductivity properties of cobalt-based magnetorheological elastomers (Co-MRE) in order to optimise these characteristics. A sample of MRE containing 50 wt% of cobalt was fabricated and evaluated. A specialised test apparatus, incorporating both hardware and software components, was designed and created to assess the conductivity characteristics of Co-MRE by analysing the relationship between force and resistance. The results from a specific test device showed that Co-MRE had the lowest resistance when in an on-state condition, which reduced to about 88% indicating that Co-MRE had the maximum electrical conductivity, and vice versa.