A Comprehensive Experimental, Simulation, and Characterization Mechanical Analysis of Ecoflex and Its Formulation...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Wearable sensors and electronic skin demand advanced materials with tunable mechanical properties and specific surface characteristics.
• Ecoflex elastomers offer potential but require modification for optimal performance in demanding applications.
• Composite materials provide a route to enhance elastomer properties through controlled blending.

Purpose of the Study:

• To manufacture and characterize Ecoflex-Ecoflex composites for enhanced mechanical properties and surface texture.
• To investigate the material behavior under large deformation and dynamic loading conditions.
• To evaluate the suitability of these composites for wearable sensor and electronic skin applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of blended Ecoflex composite materials.
• Experimental testing under large deformation (up to 1200% strain) and dynamic loading.
• Surface analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle goniometry.
• Material behavior prediction using the Yeoh model for viscoelasticity and hysteresis.

Main Results:

• The Yeoh model accurately predicted the viscoelastic and hysteresis behavior of Ecoflex composites.
• Surface properties were enhanced, achieving a maximum contact angle of 127° with 15 wt% surface tension diffusers.
• Enhanced surface smoothness and moisture resistance were observed, with a minor reduction in stretchability.

Conclusions:

• Ecoflex-Ecoflex composites offer tunable mechanical properties and improved surface characteristics for advanced applications.
• The developed composites show promise for wearable sensors and electronic skin, balancing performance with stretchability.
• This study provides a valuable database for selecting optimal Ecoflex-based solutions in material engineering.