Response Characteristics of Pressure-Sensitive Conductive Elastomer Sensors Using OFC Electrode with Triangular Wave...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Sensor Technology
• Polymer Engineering

Background:

• Conductive elastomer sensors offer tunable responses via filler modification or surface shaping.
• Modifying elastomer surface topography is an alternative approach to enhance sensor characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of electrode surface topography on pressure-sensitive conductive elastomer sensor response.
• To evaluate sensor performance using electrodes with varying triangular wave concavo-convex surface tip angles.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of oxygen-free copper electrodes with flat and triangular wave concavo-convex surfaces (60°, 90°, 120° tip angles).
• Baseline characterization using a flat electrode (Ra = 0.064 μm, Rz = 0.564 μm).
• Testing sensor response and conductance with different electrode surface geometries.

Main Results:

• Improved sensor responses were observed with 60° and 90° tip angle electrodes.
• Consistent conductance increase was noted for the 90° tip angle electrode, irrespective of elastomer conductivity variations.
• Electrode surface shape modification proved effective in enhancing sensor performance.

Conclusions:

• Altering electrode surface shape is a viable strategy to improve conductive elastomer sensor performance.
• The study highlights the potential for expanded applications of these sensors through optimized electrode design.
• A 90° tip angle electrode demonstrated significant improvements in sensor response and reliability.