2017-2018 Faculty Research Grants
Boon-Chai Ng (Engineering and Computer Science)
Exploration of the Use of Di-Electro-Active Polymer (DEAP) as a Large Strain Gage
Di-Electro-Active Polymer, DEAP, a thin film of silicone elastomer material with a silver electrode sputter-deposited on the surface will be embedded into a silicon elastomer rod. Electrical circuitry connected to the DEAP will allow a software program (LabVIEW) to read the resistivity/strain (and convert it to a weight value, such as 10 lb.) as the silicon elastomer rod is been stretched. This project requires a thorough understanding of the bonding between the DEAP materials and the silicon elastomers as well as developing a technique to position the DEAP materials (with the copper tape and the wiring necessary for the electrical circuitry to allow measurement of the resistivity of the DEAP) while curing the two part silicon elastomer resin and hardener materials together for a specific period of time to cure it. Silicon elastomer rods of diameter 1, 1 ½ and 2 inch with lengths 8 to 12 inches will be created for this project to allow for different load ranges. This composite material could be built into stretching flexibility devices that Physical Therapist (PT) could instruct their clients to use (with specific loads or increase in loads, all without changing devices) while working to rehabilitate their muscles.