(181bu) Unique electromechanical behaviors of carbonaceous nano-fillers in an elastomer matrix

This study demonstrates how to precisely control the electromechanical behavior of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites using a twofold strategy. The electrical and mechanical characteristics of PDMS composites are directly dependent on the nature of the carbonaceous fillers employed - as one can expect - but these properties are also strongly governed by the crosslinking chemistry of the PDMS matrix. This new generation of elastomer composites can surpass and effectively substitute conventional fillers (e.g. silver nanoparticles) employed with different types of elastomer matrices. This work provides major advancements to the area of elastomer fabrication and characterization for a multitude of applications in the growing area of organic electronics.