Segregated and Non‐Settling Liquid Metal Elastomer via Jamming of Elastomeric Particles

Abstract

AbstractLiquid metal elastomer (LME)—that is, liquid metal particles dispersed in elastomer—is a soft material that has useful electric, dielectric, and thermal properties. Two issues with LME are sought to be addressed: 1) the dense liquid metal (LM) particles can settle before curing of the elastomer, and 2) the LM particles are separated by a thin layer of insulating elastomer and therefore require some “mechanical sintering” to break this layer to create conductive paths. These issues are addressed using an LME containing elastic particles (LMEP). Elastic polydimethylsiloxane particles (PPs) and LM particles jam to prevent particle settling. Meanwhile, the PPs reduce the loading necessary to create conductive paths, thus decreasing the density and cost relative to LME. Surprisingly, the particles percolate into conductive paths prior to curing the LMEP but not in LME. The dielectric constant, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity of LMEPs are investigated by changing the volume fraction of LM particles, polydimethylsiloxane pre‐polymer and PPs, and propose an LMEP with the optimal ratio. In addition, LMEP‐based sensors and circuits are demonstrated for wearable electronics.