Abstract
The aim of this work involved comparing the effect graphite and shungite have on the properties of dielectric elastomer-based materials. For this reason, dielectric elastomer–Sylgard (S) was filled with 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 wt.% of graphite (G) and shungite (Sh). The structure of the obtained materials was studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The influence of the introduced additives on the thermal stability of the obtained composites was evaluated using thermogravimetry. Moreover, the mechanical properties and the dielectric constant of the elastomer with an addition of graphite and shungite were determined. Obtained results allowed us to establish that the presence of graphite as well as shungite significantly influences mechanical as well as dielectric properties. Additionally, the optimum mass of additives, allowing to increase the dielectric constant without the significant decrease of strain at break, was indicated. In the case of materials containing graphite, regardless of the filler content (1–15 wt.%), the mechanical as well as the dielectric properties are improved, while in the case of composites with an addition of shungite exceeding the 5 wt.% of filler content, a reduced tensile strength was observed.
Highlights
Dielectric elastomers, called electrostrictive polymers, belong to the group of so-called intelligent materials that exhibit particular mechanical properties once affected by an electric current
In the study two carbonaceous fillers, graphite and shungite, were used in order to alter the properties of Sylgard-based composites
Obtained results indicate that the dispersion of graphite, as well as shungite, in the PDMS matrix, significantly depends on the amount of the filler used in the procedure
Summary
Dielectric elastomers, called electrostrictive polymers, belong to the group of so-called intelligent materials that exhibit particular mechanical properties once affected by an electric current. Dielectric elastomers are characterized by much higher values of generated deformations and forces than most other smart materials, such as magnetic alloys with shape memory or piezoelectric materials. In that respect, their parameters are similar to muscles, their colloquial name, “artificial muscles”. The application mentioned above can result in a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions and contribute to the achievement of the NetZero effect [4] It should be stressed, that the NetZero effect is a more complex problem encompassing gas emissions during the application and on other planes, such manufacturing, service life, and the possibility of further processing/reuse of the materials
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