Physicists at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg want to change the material properties of so-called magnetic elastomers so that these innovative plastics can be used in future as intelligent materials, for example in sensor technologies in robotics and medicine.
In a project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) together with institutions in Dresden and Aachen, the scientists aim to optimize the extraordinary properties of these plastics during the manufacturing process specifically for applications such as in medical devices or automotive components.
Elastomers are plastics that deform elastically under tensile and compressive stress, but then - like latex, neoprene, silicone or rubber - return to their original shape. In addition to these elastic properties, magnetic elastomers also have magnetic properties: they can deform under tensile and compressive loads, but also under the influence of a magnetic field, in which case they also change their mechanical properties. This unusual behavior makes magnetic elastomers interesting and promising for innovative applications, for example in vibration technology or as intelligent materials, according to the coordinator of the research group, Prof. Andreas Menzel from the Institute of Physics at the University of Magdeburg.
Great potential for medical technology, automotive and robotics
Magnetic elastomers consist of tiny magnetic particles in a soft, elastic material and can change in magnetic fields, e.g. deform and adjust their stiffness. Prof. Menzel's team now wants to find out how the formation of internal structures during the manufacturing process and thus the material properties of the elastomers can be influenced, controlled and ultimately optimized through suitable process control.
The research team is convinced that magnetic elastomers would then have great potential for future technologies. For example, they could be used in sensors that react to magnetic fields and thus be used in medical devices, automotive components or in robotics to control movements or measure mechanical reactions. Due to their ability to change their properties in a magnetic field, magnetic elastomers are also suitable for vibration-damping materials that are used in vehicles, machines or buildings, for example, to reduce vibrations. These damping properties can then be adjusted using magnetic fields.
To ensure that these fascinating properties are ultimately used for practical purposes, another focus of the research project is to communicate the findings to a broader public and pass on the knowledge to pupils and teachers, says Prof. Andreas Menzel. The team led by physics didactics expert Prof. Bianca Watzka from RWTH Aachen University is therefore developing methods in parallel to the materials research in order to effectively pass on the knowledge gained. For example, didactic studies are being planned in order to create appropriate teaching and learning materials for school lessons.
In addition to the teams led by Prof. Menzel at the University of Magdeburg and Prof. Bianca Watzka at RWTH Aachen University, the working groups of Prof. Markus Kästner and Prof. Stefan Odenbach at TU Dresden and Dr. Günter Auernhammer from the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden IPF are also involved in the research project.
