Microstructure and rheology of magnetic hybrid materials

In this paper, an overview on a class of materials with high actual research interest will be given. Magnetic hybrid materials, i.e. liquid or elastic matrices filled with magnetic nano- or micro-particles provide the possibility to influence their mechanical behaviour by application of technically easily realizable magnetic fields. In particular, the viscous and elastic behaviour of magnetic hybrid materials can be influenced by magnetic fields. The physical reason for these changes are field-induced reconfigurations of the microstructure formed by the magnetic particles. Experimental techniques to observe these changes and their relation to changes in the mechanical behaviour of magnetic hybrid materials will be in focus of this review.