Evaluation of Fillers Dispersion Degree in Elastomeric Magnetic Composites

Elastomeric magnetic composites were prepared by incorporation of strontium ferrite into polymer matrices based on natural as well as butadiene rubber. Besides the rubber and ferrite, or the combinations of ferrite and carbon black (in case of natural rubber), the model rubber compounds contained only ingredients which support curing process. The study was dedicated to the observation of fillers dispersion degree in the rubber matrices and investigation of physical-mechanical and magnetic properties of prepared composites. The results indicate that the dispersion degree of ferrite in the rubber matrices is not very high, but it can be positively influenced by the addition of carbon black. Despite of the fact that ferrite exhibits only low reinforcing effect on cross-linked elastomeric materials, physical-mechanical properties can be also positively influenced by the mutual change in combinations of both fillers (ferrite and carbon black). The prepared materials seem to have suitable magnetic and elastic properties. 1. Introduction In the recent years, a rapid interest in development of smart materials consisting of rubber matrix and magnetic active particles has been shown [1–4]. The final properties of elastomeric magnetic composites are strongly dependent on the characteristics of polymer matrix especially. However, by integration of magnetic materials, new properties and technological abilities can be provided. The advantage of such type of materials is that their properties can be modified for the requirements of specific applications. Because of their elasticity and easy mouldability, they are suitable for additive devices, where elasticity and flexibility are additional and important parameters. Moreover, they have very good magnetic properties. Rubber magnets can absorb shock and sound, so they can be applied in dc motors, motor parts, memo holders, intelligent tyres, microwave and radar technology, and also in other technological applications. The quality of rubber blends to a large extent depends on the ability of filler or fillers to be well dispersed in the rubber matrix. The mixing process can be characterized by two essential elements of mixing process: the distributive and the dispersion mixing. The distributive mixing ensures the homogenous concentration of ingredients in all rubber volume. The dispersion mixing ensures the dispersion of filler into primary particles or aggregates. The quality of rubber blends, mainly physical properties, depends also on the quality of phases interface, stress on interface, and chemical or physical