This project aims to tackle the currently inherent limitations of soft haptic actuators via challenging approaches, which correspond to specific project objectives.
O1. Fabrication of biphasic polymer-liquid metal hybrid system that self-stiffens by mechanical straining- Here, the polymer (PDMS and Ecoflex) was mixed with liquid metal (Eutectic Gallium-Indium (EGaIn)) to understand the behavior of the stiffness of the composite.
• Objective 1 was partly achieved due to lack of resources for the characterizations of the samples at the working place.
O2. Development of soft, high-k dielectric elastomer composite via incorporating high dielectric constant liquid to increase the mechanical actuation strain- In this objective, the ionic liquid was mixed with the PDMS and Ecoflex to examine the behavior of the composite based on soft and high-k (ionic liquid) material.
• Objective 2 was partly achieved due to lack of resources for the characterizations of the samples at the working place.
O3. Development of the low-temperature self-healable polymeric composite systems- Herein, a new healable polymer (H-PDMS) was synthesized and was utilized for fabrication of healable electrodes with spray coating silver nanofibers as well as fabrication of electroluminescent devices. Furthermore, H-PDMS was utilized for 3D printing application.
• Objective 3 was fully achieved, and even more was done taking in an account of objective 3 (like, electroluminescent devices and 3D printing technology)
Besides, the work performed and achievements, I have set up a new research line at host institute (CiQUS) on soft materials for flexible electronics. This was totally new field of research that I have started there.
