Preparation of a Semi-Conductive Thin Film Sensor for Measuring Occlusal Force

Abstract

In order to study the semi-conductive characteristics of carbon black-filled ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) composite film, which is used for measuring occlusal force, composite samples with volume ratios of carbon black to EPDM ranging from 30% to 70% were prepared. The process of making a composite film consists of two steps, which involve the preparation of a slurry composition and the fabrication of a thin film using solution casting and a lamination process. To prepare the slurry composition, we dispersed carbon black nanoparticles into an organic solvent before mixing with an EPDM solution in toluene. The mechanical and electrical properties of the resulting carbon black-filled EPDM film were then investigated, and the results showed that the electrical resistance of a film decreases with the increase in the carbon black content. Furthermore, improved elastic recovery was observed after cross-linking the EPDM.