Highly stretchable silicone rubber nanocomposites incorporated with oleic acid-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles

Silicone rubber composites have attracted wide attention due to their excellent thermal stability and climate resistance. However, it is still a challenge to synthesize these composites with high tensile property without external stimulation. Meanwhile, incorporation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to fabricate magnetic nanocomposites have a broad application prospect. In the present work, aiming to improve the mechanical and magnetic properties of the silicone rubber composite, fumed silica and different content of oleic acid-modified Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles are well dispersed in the silicone rubber matrix. The synthesized nanocomposites exhibit excellent thermal stability, superelasticity, superparamagnetic property, and sensitive magnetic response. In particular, a high elongation at break of 1931%, a low storage modulus of 0.56 MPa and a deflection of 27 mm under an applied magnetic field of 1.31 Oe are obtained in the silicone rubber nanocomposite. The present work provides a feasible way to prepare silicone rubber matrix nanocomposites with excellent mechanical and magnetic performance.