Structured elastomeric submillimeter films displaying magneto and piezo resistivity

Structured elastomer films (100–150 µm) presenting piezo and magneto resistance are described. The films are composites of filler particles, which are both electrically conductive and magnetic, dispersed in an elastomeric matrix. The particles consist of magnetite (6 nm) grouped in silver‐coated aggregates (Fe₃O₄@Ag). The matrix is styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) in which diethylene glycol (DEG) is added. The particles, SBR and DEG, are dispersed in toluene and then placed between two rare earth magnets. Formation of pseudo‐chains (needles) of inorganic material aligned in the direction of the magnetic field is obtained after solvent evaporation. The addition of DEG is substantial to obtain an electrically conductive material. The electrical conductivity is anisotropic and increases when applying normal stresses and/or magnetic fields in the direction of the needles. The elastomers, particles, and needless were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, VSM, profilometry, and stress–strain analysis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 574–586