Magnetic Field and Ferrite Particles Interaction for Membranes with Augmented Shock-Absorption Capability

New frontiers in multifunctional materials are rapidly moving towards the generation of magnetic nanocomposites that might find additional functionalities in their interaction with magnetic fields. Such nanocomposites are usually made of magnetic particles distributed in a polymeric matrix. The aim of this work instead is to investigate the shock absorption capability of a silicone membrane that is locally magnetized through an innovative design according to which magnetic micro-particles are encapsulated in a sphere. An experimental and theoretical approach is used to investigate both the mutual interaction of microparticles and their interaction, as an ensemble, with an external magnetic field. It is shown that the interaction with the field is enhanced when the microparticles are free to move within the sphere, and this is further maximized when they are embedded in a nonpolar liquid matrix. The preliminary investigation in terms of shock absorption capability highlights the great potential in using such spheres as functional components to achieve highly performing and, indeed, nondistructive small-size dampers.