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Effect of the Elastomer Matrix on Thermoplastic Elastomer-Based Strain Sensor Fiber Composites
Antonia Georgopoulou1,2, Claudia Kummerlöwe3, Frank Clemens2
1Department of Functional Materials, Empa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 29, 2020
Summary
Embedding thermoplastic elastomer sensor fibers in elastomer matrices significantly alters piezoresistive properties. Stiffer matrices, like natural rubber, improve sensor linearity and reduce hysteresis, enhancing performance for soft matter sensors.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) sensor fibers are crucial for soft matter electronics.
- Embedding TPE sensors in elastomer matrices affects their mechanical and electrical properties.
- Understanding matrix effects is key to optimizing sensor performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate how different elastomer matrices influence the piezoresistive behavior of embedded TPE sensor fibers.
- Evaluate the impact of matrix material on sensor linearity, hysteresis, and dynamic/quasi-static properties.
- Identify optimal matrix strategies for enhanced soft matter sensor performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of single fiber-matrix composite systems using TPE sensor fibers and various elastomer matrices (PDMS, natural rubber).
- Dynamic (cycling) and quasi-static (relaxation) tests to assess sensor response under strain.
- Analysis of resistivity changes, linearity, mechanical and electrical hysteresis.
Main Results:
- Embedding TPE fibers in elastomer matrices significantly altered dynamic and quasi-static properties compared to pure fibers.
- Silicone elastomer (PDMS) matrices showed non-linear resistivity at low strains, unlike natural rubber.
- Addition of a spring construct or use of pre-vulcanized natural rubber improved linearity and reduced hysteresis, though the spring construct increased overall hysteresis.
Conclusions:
- Matrix material choice critically impacts TPE sensor fiber performance.
- Natural rubber offers superior performance over PDMS for these sensor applications.
- Utilizing stiffer matrices, such as pre-vulcanized natural rubber, is a viable strategy for improving piezoresistive sensor linearity and reducing hysteresis.
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