Journal
SOFT MATTER
Volume 16, Issue 25, Pages 5827-5839Publisher
ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY
DOI: 10.1039/d0sm00383b
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Funding
- NSF Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation program [1830870]
- NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship [80NSSC17K0164]
- Emerging Frontiers & Multidisciplinary Activities
- Directorate For Engineering [1830870] Funding Source: National Science Foundation
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Many soft robotic components require highly stretchable, electrically conductive materials for proper operation. Often these conductive materials are used as sensors or as heaters for thermally responsive materials. However, there is a scarcity of stretchable materials that can withstand the high strains typically experienced by soft robots, while maintaining the electrical properties necessary for Joule heating (e.g., uniform conductivity). In this work, we present a silicone composite containing both liquid and solid inclusions that can maintain a uniform conductivity while experiencing 200% linear strains. This composite can be cast in thin sheets enabling it to be wrapped around thermally responsive soft materials that increase their volume or stretchability when heated. We show how this material opens up possibilities for electrically controllable shape changing soft robotic actuators, as well as all-silicone actuation systems powered only by electrical stimulus. Additionally, we show that this stretchable composite can be used as an electrode material in other applications, including a strain sensor with a linear response up to 200% strain and near-zero signal noise.
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