Atomic force microscopy of anisotropic silicone magnetoactive composites

Abstract

New anisotropic magnetically active elastomers using carbonyl iron micrometer size ferromagnetic fillers in the silicone matrix were synthesized. Samples with orientation of the outer magnetic field strength vector applied in perpendicular or in parallel direction to the mold surface during polymerizing composite mass were investigated. These composites surface structure was studied using the topography and phase contrast images in the atomic force microscope. Significant surface magnetodeformation effects in these composites, comparable with Terphenol-D, under the application of small external magnetic fields were visualized by atomic force microscopy methods. The transverse magneto-deformation constant value was determined for both samples. Greatly periodically deformed surface structure background was observed in these composites. The obtained experimental results analysis show that significant component of these materials unique properties is due to the ferromagnetic fillers restructuring in both isotropic and anisotropic magnetically active composites under small external magnetic fields influence.