Modulating the Configurations of “Gel-Type” Soft Silicone Rubber for Electro-Mechanical Energy Generation Behavior in Wearable Electronics

Abstract

Electro-mechanical configurations can be piezo-electric transducers, triboelectric generators, electromagnetic induction, or hybrid systems. Our present study aims at developing energy generation through the piezoelectric principle. Gel-type soft SR with Shore A hardness below 30 was used as a versatile material for an elastomeric substrate. Also, multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and diatomaceous earth (DE) were used as reinforcing fillers. This “gel-type” soft SR has crosslinking polymer networks with silicone encapsulated within its structure. Mechanical properties such as modulus or stretchability are of utmost importance for such devices based on “gel-type” soft. From the experiments, some of the mechanical aspect’s values are summarized. For example, the stretchability was 99% (control) and changes to 127% (3 phr, MWCNT), 76% (20 phr DE), and 103% (20 phr hybrid). From electro-mechanical tests, the output voltage was 0.21 mV (control) and changed to 0.26 mV (3 phr, MWCNT), 0.19 mV (20 phr DE), and 0.29 mV (20 phr hybrid). Moreover, from real-time biomechanical human motion tests in “gel-type” soft-based composites, a relationship among output voltage from machine to human motions was established. Overall, these configurations make them promising against traditional portable devices such as batteries for small power applications such as mobile phones.