Robust performance for composites using silicone rubber with different prospects for wearable electronics

Abstract

The different configurations of the composites originated with machine or human motion, and their mechanical stability for wearable electronics is in focus. Here, the study highlights that these configurations are critical for wearable devices. To achieve these aspects, the electroactive and dielectric silicone rubber (SR) was used as a host matrix. This SR not only provides flexibility, twisting, or stretchability for such devices, but its lightweight makes them comfortable for robust wearable devices. The reinforcing fillers such as graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) or diatomaceous earth (DE) and their hybrids are used. The electromechanical properties of the device were performed using the universal testing machine. The output voltage generated at 15 phr filler was 0.3 mV (GNP), 0.15 mV (DE), and 0.22 mV (hybrid). Similarly, the biomechanical properties were studied with human motion joints such as thumb pressing or wrist bending. The output voltage at 15 phr was best for thumb pressing and it was 0.42 mV (GNP), 0.18 mV (DE), and 0.25 mV (hybrid). In the same way, the mechanical aspects studied in this work are compressive modulus, tensile strength, and fracture strain. For example, the compressive modulus was 1.28 MPa (control) and increased at 15 phr filler to 2.44 MPa (GNP), 3.2 MPa (DE), and 2.75 MPa (hybrid). Similarly, the mechanical stretchability of the devices was 134% (control) and changed at 15 phr filler to 128% (GNP), 78% (DE), and 109% (hybrid). Overall, the work demonstrates the method to develop a device with high mechanical, electromechanical, and biomechanical properties and their usefulness for wearable electronic devices.