Electrorheological elastomers (EREs) are smart elastomers with tunable dynamic properties by applying electric field. They are composed by polarizable particles dispersing within elastomers matrix. In comparison with electrorheological fluids, the particles in EREs do not undergo aggregation and sedimentation. Without the requirement of large-sized electromagnetic coils, the smart devices based on EREs have simpler structures than those based on magnetorheological (MR) elastomers. The unique properties and merits of EREs give rise to their bright future in various fields. During the past decades, great progress has been made by scholars around the world. In this chapter, the conception, preparation, physical mechanisms, classification, development, influence factors, and applications of electrorheological elastomers is reviewed.
Part of the book: Elastomers