Functionalization of PDMS nanocomposite foams for piezoelectric applications

Taissa R. Michel, Joseph R. Nalbach, Harrison Hones, Anthony Salemo, Salvatore Catanzaro, Allison Tingley, Matthew Schwenger, Wei Xue

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Functionalized, porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) structures have been a topic of growing interest in the polymer foaming community for their unique properties. PDMS has been used in piezoelectric applications due to its high elasticity and ability to withstand repeated deformation. Under the same conditions, PDMS foams can deform more than solid bulk samples, making them better candidates for energy harvesting and sensing applications. In this paper, PDMS foam samples were prepared using sugar scaffolding methods with three different types of sugar. This process yielded open pore structures at varying densities and pore sizes. Our PDMS foams were functionalized with zinc oxide nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The mechanical characterization revealed that the foamed structures of the granulated sugar had the optimal results versus the brown and ultrafine sugar samples. Additionally, the electrical output in the granulated sugar foamed samples was higher than in the brown and ultrafine sugar samples. Our results demonstrate that PDMS foams are a promising material that can be used in future piezoelectric applications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2018 IEEE 13th Nanotechnology Materials and Devices Conference, NMDC 2018
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781538610169
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 8 2019
Event13th IEEE Nanotechnology Materials and Devices Conference, NMDC 2018 - Portland, United States
Duration: Oct 14 2018Oct 17 2018

Publication series

Name2018 IEEE 13th Nanotechnology Materials and Devices Conference, NMDC 2018

Conference

Conference13th IEEE Nanotechnology Materials and Devices Conference, NMDC 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPortland
Period10/14/1810/17/18

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Instrumentation

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