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Conductive open-cell silicone foam for modulatable damping and impact sensing applications
Preuer, R. ; Šleichrt, Jan ; Kytýř, Daniel ; Graz, I.
Nature has long served as a source of inspiration for the development of new materials, with foam-like structures in fruits such as oranges and pamelos serving as examples of efficient energy dissipation. In this study, we present the synthesis and characterization of a conductive silicone foam for potential impact sensing applications. By blending Sylgard 184 and Carbon Black, we create a highly porous structure capable of dissipating energy and modulating its resistance. To investigate the properties of the foam, we utilized both micro-computer tomography (μCT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging techniques. The μCT imaging revealed the intricate pore network of the foam, reminiscent of the complex structure found in natural sponges. SEM imaging allowed for observation of the uniform distribution of Carbon Black particles within the foam, enabling the conductive properties of the foam. The foam’s mechanical behavior was characterized by a compression test under μCT imaging to measure the deformation behavior and changes in the foam’s resistance. Additionally, a ball drop test was conducted to investigate the foam’s damping behavior while simultaneously measuring the impact location by the local change in resistance. Remarkably, our results demonstrate the exceptional damping capabilities of the conductive silicone foam, with the damping ratio modulated by adjusting the degree of compression-induced deformation. This is attributed to the collapse of the foam’s porous structure, resulting in a significant increase in the foam’s contact area. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the behavior of conductive silicone foams and their potential as an impact sensing material. The use of both CT and SEM imaging techniques allows for a comprehensive understanding of the foam’s properties, which can be optimized for a variety of applications. The foam’s ability to modulate its damping properties by adjusting the degree of deformation provides a promising avenue for future research in the field of materials science and engineering.
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