Issue 25, 2020

Uniform conductivity in stretchable silicones via multiphase inclusions

Abstract

Many soft robotic components require highly stretchable, electrically conductive materials for proper operation. Often these conductive materials are used as sensors or as heaters for thermally responsive materials. However, there is a scarcity of stretchable materials that can withstand the high strains typically experienced by soft robots, while maintaining the electrical properties necessary for Joule heating (e.g., uniform conductivity). In this work, we present a silicone composite containing both liquid and solid inclusions that can maintain a uniform conductivity while experiencing 200% linear strains. This composite can be cast in thin sheets enabling it to be wrapped around thermally responsive soft materials that increase their volume or stretchability when heated. We show how this material opens up possibilities for electrically controllable shape changing soft robotic actuators, as well as all-silicone actuation systems powered only by electrical stimulus. Additionally, we show that this stretchable composite can be used as an electrode material in other applications, including a strain sensor with a linear response up to 200% strain and near-zero signal noise.

Graphical abstract: Uniform conductivity in stretchable silicones via multiphase inclusions

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
03 Mar 2020
Accepted
19 Apr 2020
First published
20 Apr 2020

Soft Matter, 2020,16, 5827-5839

Author version available

Uniform conductivity in stretchable silicones via multiphase inclusions

R. A. Bilodeau, A. Mohammadi Nasab, D. S. Shah and R. Kramer-Bottiglio, Soft Matter, 2020, 16, 5827 DOI: 10.1039/D0SM00383B

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