Electric and magnetic field-structured smart composites

The combination of polymers with nanomaterials displays novel and often enhanced properties compared to the traditional materials. They can open up possibilities for new technological applications. The electric- and magnetic- field-sensitive elastomers represent a new type of composites consisting of small particles, usually from nanometer range to micron range, dispersed in high elastic polymeric matrix. Coupling of electric and/or magnetic fields with elastic properties leads to a number of striking phenomena that are exhibited in response to impressed external fields. The ability of such materials to change their size and mechanical properties in a reversible manner has inherent interest, if for no other reason than the uniqueness having giant elastic response to polarization. The giant deformational effect, high elasticity, anisotropic properties, and quick response to either electric or magnetic fields open new opportunities for using such materials for various applications. Since electric and magnetic fields are convenient stimuli from the point of signal control, it is of great importance to develop and study such flexible, smart polymeric systems.