Detailed Mechanism and Engineering Applicability of Electrolytic Polymerization Aided by a Magnetic Field in Natural Rubber by Mechanical Approach for Sensing (Part 2): Other and Intrinsic Effects on MCF Rubber Property

The same ordinary electrolytic polymerization of plastic-type polymer solution is applicable to natural rubber, with its C=C bonds, if a magnetic field and a filler are added. With the application of a magnetic field and the magnetic responsive fluid known as magnetic compound fluid (MCF), we have clarified the enhancement of the electrolytic polymerization of NR-latex and the growth of the thickness of vulcanized MCF rubber that results from the addition of a magnetic field. The present new method of MCF rubber vulcanization is effective for use in haptic sensors, which are used widely in various engineering applications. In the previous report, part 1 of this study, we investigated many experimental conditions under mechanical approach for sensing: magnetic field strength;applied voltage;electrodes gap;mass concentration, and the ingredients of the MCF. In the present sequential report, part 2, we investigate many other effects on electrolytic polymerization by the same mechanical approach for sensing as in part 1: the Mullins effect;the Piezo effect;vibration;kind of electrode;atmospheric gas. In particular, we clarify that the voltage generates spontaneously in the MCF rubber and that the MCF rubber becomes a Piezo element. These effects on the electrolytic polymerization as well as the effects of the experimental conditions will be useful in engineering applications. By taking the above-mentioned parameters and effects into account, MCF rubber that is electrolytically polymerized with the aid of a magnetic field, the use of MCF as a filler, and doping, can be useful in haptic sensor applications. In particular, the effectiveness of the Piezo element can be shown.

Detailed Mechanism and Engineering Applicability of Electrolytic Polymerization Aided by a Magnetic Field in Natural Rubber by Mechanical Approach for Sensing (Part 1): The Effect of Experimental Conditions on Electrolytic Polymerization

Ordinary electrolytic polymerization has involved plastic-type polymer solutions. Rubber, especially natural rubber, is one such polymer solution. Rubber has not been focused on until recently due to the fact that electrolytic polymerization has only a very small effect on rubber. However, when we focus on the C=C bonds of natural rubber, the same electrolytic polymerization is applicable to be enlarged on the natural rubber if a magnetic field and a filler are added. With the application of a magnetic field and a magnetic responsive fluid such as magnetic compound fluid (MCF), the effect of electrolytic polymerization on NR-latex such as plastic-type polymer solutions is enhanced, and the thickness of the vulcanized MCF rubber grows in a short time. The present new method of vulcanization of MCF rubber is effective enough that it is widely used in haptic sensors in various engineering applications. In the present report, as mechanical approach for the sensing, by measuring the temperature under electrolytic polymerization, by investigating the electric and dynamic characteristics, and by observing the magnified appearance of the MCF rubber, we clarified the extrinsic effects of many experimental conditions, including magnetic field strength, applied voltage, the electrodes gap, mass concentration, and the ingredients of the MCF. This report is Part 1, to be followed by another sequential report, Part 2, in which other intrinsic effects on the characteristics are dealt with. The experimental conditions used and the results obtained in the present report provide valuable data that will be useful in the making of MCF rubber.