Resonant Magnetoelectric Effect at Low Frequencies in Layered Polymeric Cantilevers Containing a Magnetoactive Elastomer

In this work, the resonance enhancement of magnetoelectric (ME) coupling at the two lowest bending resonance frequencies was investigated in layered cantilever structures comprising a magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) slab and a commercially available piezoelectric polymer multilayer. A cantilever was fixed at one end in the horizontal plane and the magnetic field was applied horizontally. Five composite structures, each containing an MAE layer of different thicknesses from 0.85 to 4 mm, were fabricated. The fundamental bending resonance frequency in the absence of a magnetic field varied between roughly 23 and 55 Hz. It decreased with the increasing thickness of the MAE layer, which was explained by a simple theory. The largest ME voltage coefficient of about 7.85 V/A was measured in a sample where the thickness of the MAE layer was approximate to 2 mm. A significant increase in the bending resonance frequencies in the applied DC magnetic field of 240 kA/m up to 200% was observed. The results were compared with alternative designs for layered multiferroic structures. Directions for future research were also discussed.

Automated summary

This study investigated the resonance enhancement of magnetoelectric coupling in layered cantilever structures. It was found that increasing the thickness of the magnetoactive elastomer layer decreased the resonance frequency, and the highest ME voltage coefficient was measured in a sample with a thickness of approximately 2 mm. Additionally, a significant increase in bending resonance frequencies was observed under an applied DC magnetic field.