Abstract
The work deals with a theoretical study of magnetoelastic properties of soft composite materials, consisting of a polymer matrix filled with micron-sized magnetizable particles (ferrogels and ferroelastomers). The systems with a homogeneous gas-like spatial distribution of particles in the matrix are considered. The impact of the particles magnetic interaction on the macroscopic elastic characteristics of the composites is studied. Analysis shows that this interaction increases elastic moduli of the materials. This effect must be especially significant for the composites with soft gel matrix.
•Magnetic field either elongates or contracts a ferrogel with single magnetizable particles.•Type of the deformation depends on the sample initial shape.•Magnetic interaction of the particles makes the ferrogel stiffer.