Electrical and Mechanical Characterization of Carbon-Based Elastomeric Composites for Printed Sensors and Electronics

Printing technologies have attracted significant interest in recent years, particularly for the development of flexible and stretchable electronics and sensors. Conductive elastomeric composites are a popular choice for these new generations of devices. This paper examines the electrical and mechanical properties of elastomeric composites of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), an insulating elastomer, with carbon-based fillers (graphite powder and various types of carbon black, CB), as a function of their composition. The results can direct the choice of material composition to address specific device and application requirements. Molding and stencil printing are used to demonstrate their use.