Study on the influence of carbon nanotube modification on the mechanical and magnetic properties of chloroprene rubber‐based magnetorheological elastomers

Abstract This study explores the mechanical and magnetic properties of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) based on chloroprene rubber, enhanced with carbonyl iron powder (CIP) as the primary filler. Carbon black serves as the primary reinforcing filler, with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) used as a secondary filler to strengthen the rubber matrix. The primary objective of this research is to examine the effects of the mixture of iron powder with reinforcing fillers and the interaction of these fillers with the rubber matrix on the mechanical and magnetomechanical performance of MREs. CNTs, tubular nanoscale carbon molecules, significantly enhance the tensile strength and fatigue resistance when combined with the MRE matrix. During mixing, CNTs form a network structure within the MRE matrix, promoting the dissipation of accumulated heat and reducing thermal fatigue loss. The addition of 20 parts of CNTs to the CR matrix significantly improved the tensile mechanical properties, with the 100% set elongation stress increasing by up to 260% and the magnetic responsiveness increasing by 30.6%. The addition of 10 parts of carboxylated CNTs most notably enhanced the magnetorheological effect, increasing the magnetic stress relaxation rate by 78%. These enhanced properties enable MREs to provide better vibration control and comfort in automotive suspension systems, improve energy absorption and damping effects in industrial damping systems, and enhance durability and sealing performance in sealant applications. Highlights Carbonyl iron powder, carbon black, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used as fillers to strengthen the chloroprene (CR) matrix magnetorheological elastomers (MREs). CNTs formed a network structure, promoting the dissipation of accumulated heat and reducing thermal fatigue loss. The tensile mechanical property of MRE with 20 parts of CNTs has been significantly improved, with an increasing magnetic responsiveness of 30.6%. Magnetorheological effect of MRE with 10 parts of CNTs has notably enhanced, with the magnetic stress relaxation rate of 78%.