Development of Highly Stretchable and Conductive Elastomer for Stretchable Electronics

Abstract

The scope of this study is to synthesize an electrically conductive elastomer composite of polyaniline and NBR with optimized loading levels of filler in the matrix which could be used in various applications including stretchable electronics, sensors, energy storage devices, touch panel and electronic displays. Another filler i.e. zinc-iron layered hydroxide was also synthesized due to its improved thermal and mechanical properties for use in flame retardant composite applications. To investigate the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties with different loading levels of filler Polyaniline was synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization method while LDH was synthesized by co-precipitation method and it was validated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X Ray Diffraction (XRD). These characterization results confirmed the successful synthesis of both the fillers. After that the prepared fillers were mixed with NBR separately in an internal mixer at (0,1,3,5,7,10) PHR levels and its vulcanization was conducted. Mixed samples were then pressed in a not press to make sheets of composite. The conductivity results of polyaniline and NBR blends showed an increase of 6 order of magnitude from (10−10S/m) to (10−4S/m) and at 3phr level percolation threshold was achieved which contains only 1.1g of polyaniline. Also the mechanical testing results showed an increase in strain of up to 400%.