PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) elastomer is widely used in MEMS. However, PDMS is non-conductive and as a result is used in mostly structural applications. We report methods for monolithic integration of conductive and non-conductive PDMS for realizing wholly polymer-based devices with embedded elastomer wires, electrodes, heaters, and sensors. In this work we demonstrate elastomer strain gauges, ...

The current research presentsthe development of EPDM rubber including shape memory alloy. Cu-Al-Zn alloy was modified with the coupling agent3-(Trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (TMSPM)and then incorporated into Ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) by a 2-roll mill technique.The Cu-alloy behaved as superelasticity capability which can be used in various engineering approaches to smart materials. ...

In this paper a novel design of aerostatic thrust bearing is proposed and is analyzed numerically. The capillary restrictor and bearing disk are made of elastomer like silicone and PU. The viscoelasticity of elastomer helps the capillary expand for more air flux and at the same time, allows conicity of the bearing surface to form when the air pressure is enhanced. Therefore the bearing has the ...

The current smallest self-contained modular robot uses a shape memory alloy, which is inherently inefficient, slow and difficult to control. We present the design, fabrication and demonstration of a module based on dielectric elastomer actuation. The module uses a pair of bowtie dielectric elastomer actuators in an agonist-antagonist configuration and is seven times smaller than previously demo...

We study the adhesion between a cross-linked elastomer and a flat solid surface where polymer chains have been end-grafted. To understand the adhesive feature of such a system, one has to study both the origin of the grafted layer interdigitation with the network, and the endgrafted chains extraction out of the elastomer when it comes unstuck from the solid surface. We shall tackle here the fir...

Dynamic stretching of bilayer plates comprised of an elastomer layer bonded to a metal layer is studied with emphasis on neck development under plane strain. Neck retardation and multiple necks in the metal layer are promoted by the elastomer layer under quasi-static conditions and also by inertia in the all-metal layer under dynamic stretching. The present study explores the interaction of the...