Mechanical and electrical properties in porous structure of Ketjenblack/silicone-rubber composites

Mechanical and electrical properties of Ketjenblack/silicone-rubber porous composites having 68-81% porosity were investigated. The porous composites had 1-6% compressive elastic moduli of composites having the same integrant without pores. The resistivity of the porous composite, under compression, monotonously decreased in a wide strain range (0-80%), while in a narrow range (0-10%) in the case of the composites without pores. Moreover, under cyclic compression, resistivity hysteresis was smaller in the case of porous composites compared to the case of composites without pores. These facts show that the porous composites are promising tactile sensor materials applicable to delicate or brittle objects. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.