Investigation on Electromechanical Properties of Solid Silicone Rubber Composites with Conductive Carbon Filler

Abstract

Dielectric elastomers belonging to the class of electroactive polymers are promising materials for electromechanical transduction. They are used as actuators, capacitive sensors and energy harvesters. In the present study solid silicone rubber-super conducting carbon black composites are prepared through compression moulding process and evaluated for their mechanical and dielectric properties. Electromechanical sensitivity is estimated and discussed using Taguchi orthogonal arrays for the factors, such as content of active filler and curing agent, mixing time in roll mill, curing temperature. Permittivity of the composites increased 6 times when compared with the sample without active filler. Electromechanical sensitivity of the composite improved 2 times, thus highlighting that this approach could lead to development of newer dielectric elastomer transducer materials.