Analysis of the strain misfit between matrix and inclusions in a magnetically tunable composite

Abstract A magnetically tunable composite has been elaborated by embedding microparticles of a metamagnetic shape memory alloy on a photo curable resin. The strain misfit between the polymeric matrix and the inclusions has been analysed within Eshelby formalism. Results show the non-appearance of active microcracks at the interfaces where strains are induced by the martensitic transformation in the microparticles. Even though the martensitic transformation is well detected, the values of misfit β coefficient indicate that the matrix accommodates all the stresses induced by the inclusions. A stable surface interaction between particles and matrix is also confirmed during thermal cycles. It is also demonstrated that the damping capacity of the composites can be tuned by combining oscillating strain, fillers content and magnetic field. The proposed model could be applied to analyse the mechanical stability in polymer matrix composites in which fillers undergo a first order transition with volume change and associated deformation.