Highly stretchable and sensitive silicone composites with positive piezoconductivity using nickel powder and ionic...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Conductive rubber composites offer conductivity and elasticity for soft robots and wearable devices.
• Elongation typically increases electrical resistance in composites due to filler bond breakage.
• Optimizing filler shape and size can decrease resistance during elongation, but achieving low resistance and high elasticity simultaneously is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a conductive rubber composite gel with both high elasticity and significantly reduced electrical resistance.
• To overcome the trade-off between filler content, elasticity, and resistance reduction in conductive composites.
• To demonstrate the potential application of the developed composite as a switch in electric circuits.

Main Methods:

• A conductive rubber composite gel was synthesized by combining silicone rubber, ionic liquid, and metal filler.
• The composite's electrical resistance and elasticity were characterized under varying elongation conditions.
• The material's performance was evaluated as a switch in a direct current (DC) power source circuit.

Main Results:

• The developed composite achieved an elongation rate exceeding six times its original length.
• A remarkable decrease in electrical resistance, less than 1/10^5, was observed during elongation.
• The composite successfully functioned as a switch, controlling an electric circuit based on elongation.

Conclusions:

• The novel conductive rubber composite gel successfully balances high elasticity with a significant reduction in electrical resistance.
• This material presents a promising solution for applications requiring stretchable electronics and efficient switching mechanisms.
• The developed composite is suitable for use in electric circuits, particularly as an elongation-responsive switch.