Design and application of an improved vulcanization apparatus for magnetorheological elastomer

摘要

Magnetorheological elastomer is a new intelligent material, which shows a promising application prospect in the intelligent control area. In the molding of magnetorheological elastomer, vulcanization under magnetic field condition is the critical step. However, the traditionally used vulcanization apparatus cannot be applied in the preparation of magnetorheological elastomer directly for the unavailable magnetic field, uneven pressure, and serious heat dissipation. An improved vulcanization apparatus with magnetic field generator, support device, and temperature control device was designed. To ensure the rationality of the designs, magnetic circuit simulation, thermal simulation, and stiffness consistency test were conducted. Experimental tests showed that the vulcanization apparatus we designed applied well in the preparation of magnetorheological elastomers and magnetorheological elastomer isolator.