A conductive elastomer is a form of

elastomer An elastomer is a polymer with viscoelasticity (i.e. both viscosity and elasticity) and with weak intermolecular forces, generally low Young's modulus (E) and high failure strain compared with other materials. The term, a portmanteau of ''ela ...

, often

natural rubber Rubber, also called India rubber, latex, Amazonian rubber, ''caucho'', or ''caoutchouc'', as initially produced, consists of polymers of the organic compound isoprene, with minor impurities of other organic compounds. Types of polyisoprene ...

or other rubber substitute, that is manufactured to conduct electricity. This is commonly accomplished by distributing

carbon Carbon () is a chemical element; it has chemical symbol, symbol C and atomic number 6. It is nonmetallic and tetravalence, tetravalent—meaning that its atoms are able to form up to four covalent bonds due to its valence shell exhibiting 4 ...

or other conductive particles throughout the raw material prior to setting it. Carbon black and silica are common additives to induce conductivity in elastomers. Silica has been studied more so than other additives due to its low cost however, its conductance is also lower. These additives can not only enable conductance but can increase the mechanical properties of the elastomer. Conductive elastomers are often pressure-sensitive, with their conductivity varying with the amount of pressure put on it, and can be used to make

pressure sensor Pressure measurement is the measurement of an applied force by a fluid (liquid or gas) on a surface. Pressure is typically measured in units of force per unit of surface area. Many techniques have been developed for the measurement of pressur ...

s. Other uses of conductive elastomers include conductive flexible seals and gaskets, and conductive mats used to prevent electrostatic damage to electronic devices. These elastomers also have uses in the energy industry, where they could be used to make flexible solar cells or stretchable devices for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy. Making solar cells and various sensors able to stretch and bend would allow them to be incorporated into wearable electronics. Recently, there has also been focus on preparation of elastomers that do not lose conductivity upon stretching. A novel approach for the design of an elastomer that actually increases conductivity with strain has recently been published. Highly stretchable conductive MWCNT–PDMS composite with self-enhanced conductivity https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2020/tc/d0tc01735c/unauth#!divAbstract

References

{{reflist Elastomers Composite materials

See also

References