Magneto‐responsive polydimethylsiloxane films with magnetic powder: Characterization and potential application in the tensile loading system

Abstract Magnetic actuation has attracted a growing attention due to its non‐contact performance, rapid response and penetrability. The realization of magnetic actuation requires the participation of magneto‐responsive materials (MRMS), and magneto‐responsive polymers (MRPs) are one of the most widely used MRMs. Here, we report the fabrication, characterization and actuation tests of neodymium‐iron‐boron‐polydimethylsiloxane (NdFeB‐PDMS) magnetic films. The NdFeB‐PDMS magnetic film has great flexibility and elasticity, as well as excellent magnetism. The film also shows exceptional deformation and magnetic controllability under magnetic actuation. Besides, it can be driven under a very low magnetic field down to 1mT, and generate an out‐of‐plane displacement of 2.7 mm under the action of magnetic fields. We focus on the tensile deformation of NdFeB‐PDMS films under magnetic driving and provide a possible design for their potential application in the tensile loading system. Preliminary tests demonstrate that the size of tensile deformation is adjusted by controlling the output signal and amplification factor. Highlights Fabrication of NdFeB‐PDMS magnetic films. Mechanical and magnetic characterizations of NdFeB‐PDMS films. Magnetic actuation tests of NdFeB‐PDMS films. Magnetic field‐induced tensile deformation of NdFeB‐PDMS films. Potential application of NdFeB‐PDMS films in the tensile loading system.