Graphite- and Graphene-Based Polymer Nanocomposites for Flexible Sensors and Actuators in Health Care and Soft Robotics Applications

Abstract:

Flexible sensors and actuators have broad applications in the fields of wearable electronics for health, sports, functional textiles, robotics and cobot applications. Graphene-or graphite-based polymer nanocomposites are promising materials for the development of soft sensors and actuators. This study investigates strain sensing properties of silicon rubber with various graphene filler concentrations (8wt%-12wt%). Current-voltage characteristics have been measured under various strains. We obtain that the sensor’s electrical resistance, for a given voltage, can be approximated by a linear fit of the logarithmic resistance as function of the extension ratio of the sensor. The obtained mechanically induced logarithmic resistor behavior of the polymer nanocomposite is highly promising for the development of electronic sensing and control. Furthermore, thin film graphite layers were investigated on highly stretchable silicone membranes.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 1107)
• Pages: 15-20
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-hRfme1
• Online since: December 2023
• Authors: Silvia Schintke*, Badil Mujovi, Darja Loiko, Stefan del Rossi
• Keywords: Actuator, Conductive Polymer Nanocomposites, Electrical I-V Spectroscopy, Graphene, Graphite, Logarithmic Resistor, Sensors

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