Magneto-piezoresistance in elastomagnetic composites

Ni microparticles were homogeneously dispersed into a silicone matrix preventing their direct contact even at volume fractions near the percolation threshold. In this condition, owing to the co-presence of elastomagnetic and piezoresistive effects, a moderate gradient of an external magnetizing field induces an electron conduction increment higher than 60% in Ni-silicone elastomagnetic composites. This demonstrates a peculiar kind of magnetoresistance mechanism that we define as “magneto-piezoresistance.” Theoretical predictions and validating experiments of this effect are reported. Owing to its innovative nature and potential improvements, the magneto-piezoresistance opens new perspectives for the elastomagnetic composites application in microdevices such as atomic force microscope tips and magnetic lecture heads.