ABSTRACT
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.