| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T24: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Additive Manufacturing of Polymeric-based Materials: Potentials and Challenges
|
| Presentation Title |
Investigation of Aging Behavior and Sensor Performance of Thiol-ene Based UV-Curable Elastomers Printed via Direct Ink Writing for Soft Robotic Applications |
| Author(s) |
Emrah Demirkal, Austin Hewitt, Derrick Banerjee, Rowan Barto, Katarzyna Sabolsky, Konstantinos Sierros, Edward M. Sabolsky |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Emrah Demirkal |
| Abstract Scope |
Soft robotics leverages flexible materials to enhance dexterity and movement, critical for tasks like precision assembly, industrial automation, and underwater exploration. Central to this innovation are sensors and actuators requiring novel fabrication methods. This study aims to explore the aging behavior of pure UV-curable elastomers and examine sensor functionality of Ag particle-embedded UV-curable elastomers. We employed direct ink writing (DIW) to fabricate sensor-loaded elastomers, crucial for real-time applications due to its precision and versatility in embedding sensors within complex geometries. UV-curable silicone was synthesized by compounding MMPS (poly(mercaptopropylmethylsiloxane-co-dimethylsiloxane)) with different molecular-weight VPS (vinyl-terminated-polysiloxane) and photoinitiator. Pure and Ag ink loaded samples were fabricated using DIW for tensile test, and their mechanical properties were analyzed over a period of seven days. Additionally, sensor activity was assessed in Ag-embedded elastomers. Pure and loaded elastomers were characterized via SEM, NMR, and tensile test. MMPS-VPS-25000 composition maintained approximately 100% elongation while preserving sensor activity. |