Effect of Carbonyl Iron Particle Concentration on The Printability and Stiffness of Magnetorheological Elastomer Filaments

Open Access

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 05 | Page : 310 317
    By

    Khairul Anwar Abdul Kadir,

  • Nor Fairuz Hayati Amir,

  • Nur Raihana Sukri,

  • Wan Nur Atiqah Mior Hamdan,

  • Saiful Amri Mazlan,

  • Nur Azmah Nordin,

  • Mohd Aidy Faizal Johari,

  1. Researcher, Department of Engineering Materials and Structures (eMast) iKohza, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  2. Lecturer, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politeknik Banting, Selangor, Malaysia
  3. Lecturer, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politeknik Ungku Omar, Ipoh, Malaysia
  4. Degree Student, Department of Engineering Materials and Structures (eMast) iKohza, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  5. Professor, Department of Engineering Materials and Structures (eMast) iKohza / Automotive Development Centre, Institute for Sustainable Transport (IST), Universiti Teknologi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  6. Senior Lecturer, Department of Engineering Materials and Structures (eMast) iKohza / Automotive Development Centre, Institute for Sustainable Transport (IST), Universiti Teknologi,, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  7. Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Engineering Materials and Structures (eMast) iKohza, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi,, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract

Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) are increasingly valued for their field-responsive mechanical properties, making them ideal for adaptive components in automotive, aerospace, and vibration control systems. However, conventional mould-based fabrication methods limit design flexibility, produce excess material waste, and are unsuitable for complex or customized geometries caused challenges that have hindered broader industrial adoption. Although 3D printing offers a compelling alternative, research on printable MRE filaments remains limited, particularly regarding how carbonyl iron particle (CIP) content influences printability and mechanical performance. This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of MRE filaments using fused filament fabrication (FFF), incorporating CIP concentrations of 20 wt.%, 40 wt.%, 60 wt.%, and 80 wt.%. Filaments were extruded and printed into standardized geometries, then tested using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) in tensile mode to assess viscoelastic behaviour. The results show that increasing CIP content leads to a progressive enhancement in mechanical stiffness, with Young’s modulus rising from 14 MPa for pure Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) to approximately 32 MPa at 80 wt.% CIP. Stress-strain analysis revealed steeper curves and higher load resistance at elevated particle loadings, while surface quality and print consistency were maintained up to 60 wt.% before minor defects emerged due to particle agglomeration. These findings confirm that FFF can produce structurally consistent, functionally tunable MRE and that CIP content is a critical parameter for tailoring mechanical properties. This work lays the groundwork for the development of 4D-printed MRE systems, offering new possibilities for smart, load-responsive devices in sectors such as automotive damping, adaptive infrastructure like railway tracks with tunable dampers, isolators and suspension systems in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Keywords: 4D printing, fused filament fabrication, magnetorheological elastomer, printability, carbonyl iron particles, mechanical stiffness.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer and Composites ]

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How to cite this article:
Khairul Anwar Abdul Kadir, Nor Fairuz Hayati Amir, Nur Raihana Sukri, Wan Nur Atiqah Mior Hamdan, Saiful Amri Mazlan, Nur Azmah Nordin, Mohd Aidy Faizal Johari. Effect of Carbonyl Iron Particle Concentration on The Printability and Stiffness of Magnetorheological Elastomer Filaments. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):310-317.
How to cite this URL:
Khairul Anwar Abdul Kadir, Nor Fairuz Hayati Amir, Nur Raihana Sukri, Wan Nur Atiqah Mior Hamdan, Saiful Amri Mazlan, Nur Azmah Nordin, Mohd Aidy Faizal Johari. Effect of Carbonyl Iron Particle Concentration on The Printability and Stiffness of Magnetorheological Elastomer Filaments. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):310-317. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=226518


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Regular Issue Open Access Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 05
Received 01/08/2025
Accepted 19/08/2025
Published 01/09/2025
Publication Time 31 Days
Total Visits: 50


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