  A magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) consisting of single-domain La0.8Ag0.2Mn1.2O3
nanoparticles with a Curie temperature close to room temperature (TC = 308 K)
in a silicone matrix has been prepared and comprehensively studied. It has been
found that at room temperature and above, MAE particles are magnetized
superparamagnetically with a low coercivity below 10 Oe, and the influence of
magnetic anisotropy on the appearance of a torque is justified. A coupling
between magnetization and magnetoelasticity has been also established. The
mechanisms of the appearance of magnetoelasticity, including the effect of MAE
rearrangement and MAE compression by magnetized particles, have been revealed.
It has been found that the magnetoelastic properties of MAE have critical
features near TC. The magnetoelastic properties of MAE disappear at T > TC and
are restored at T < TC. This makes it possible to use MAE at room temperature
as a smart material for devices with self-regulating magnetoelastic properties.

Materials Science