Correlation between meso-structures and magnetoelectric properties in 0-3 magnetoelectric composites

The quantitative characterization of macroscopic properties of 0-3 polymer-based magnetoelectric (ME) composites is the basis of their application, and the meso-structure is the source that affects their macroscopic properties. In this study, theoretical models consistent with the meso-structures of the composites are developed to address scenarios involving random, chain, and agglomeration particle distributions. The focus is on investigating the nonlinear mechanical behavior of multi-field coupling. The validity and rationality of the theoretical model are confirmed by comparing the theoretical results with existing experimental data. Based on this, the distribution characteristics of elastic field, electric field and magnetic field of 0-3 polymer-based ME composites with different particle arrangements are analyzed. Additionally, the influence of several factors on the ME properties, such as magnetic field strength and direction, particle proportion and frequency, is discussed. The results indicate that the ME performance is optimized when the direction of the densest chain row of particles aligns with the direction of the applied magnetic field. Furthermore, the phenomenon of current leakage is examined when the direction of the chain row of ferromagnetic particles coincides with the direction of polarization. To mitigate this leakage effect, a solution is proposed by adding thin layers of piezoelectric polymer to the surface of the composite, resulting in a 62.6% increase in ME performance. The research findings reveal the response mechanisms and essence of 0-3 polymer-based ME composites under applied magnetic fields, establishing a connection between meso-structures and macro properties. This provides guidance for the design and optimization of mesomorphic structures and performance, and serves as a foundation for the design, fabrication, and development of a new generation of ME devices.