  The results of a study of magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) consisting of an
elastomer matrix with embedded ferromagnetic particles are presented. A
continuous critical bending induced by the magnetic field, characterized by a
critical exponent for the bending magnitude, and the derivative of which has a
singularity in the critical region is reported for the first time. The
mechanical stability loss and the symmetry reduction of the magnetic state,
which are interrelated with each other, take place at the critical point. The
magnetization in the high-symmetric state (below the critical point) is
directed along the magnetic field and the torque is absent. Above the critical
point, the magnetization and the magnetic field are noncollinear and there
arises a torque, which is self-consistent with the bending. The magnetic field
dependence of the MAE bending was found to have a hysteresis, which is
associated with the magneto-rheological effect. The shape memory effect was
also obtained for the MAE bending in a cycle consisting of magnetization,
cooling (at H=/0), and heating (at H=0). The influence of the critical glass
transition temperature of the matrix, as well as its melting/solidification
temperature, on the magnetic shape memory effect was studied.
