RIS ID

134459

Publication Details

Yun, G., Tang, S., Sun, S., Yuan, D., Zhao, Q., Deng, L., Yan, S., Du, H., Dickey, M. D. & Li, W. (2019). Liquid metal-filled magnetorheological elastomer with positive piezoconductivity. Nature Communications, 10 (1), 1-9.

Abstract

Conductive elastic composites have been used widely in soft electronics and soft robotics. These composites are typically a mixture of conductive fillers within elastomeric substrates. They can sense strain via changes in resistance resulting from separation of the fillers during elongation. Thus, most elastic composites exhibit a negative piezoconductive effect, i.e. the conductivity decreases under tensile strain. This property is undesirable for stretchable conductors since such composites may become less conductive during deformation. Here, we report a liquid metal-filled magnetorheological elastomer comprising a hybrid of fillers of liquid metal microdroplets and metallic magnetic microparticles. The composite's resistivity reaches a maximum value in the relaxed state and drops drastically under any deformation, indicating that the composite exhibits an unconventional positive piezoconductive effect. We further investigate the magnetic field-responsive thermal properties of the composite and demonstrate several proof-of-concept applications. This composite has prospective applications in sensors, stretchable conductors, and responsive thermal interfaces.

Share

COinS
 

Link to publisher version (DOI)

http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-09325-4