Stretch sensor

Stretch sensor is a di-electric elastomer which can be used as a sensory material.

The manufacturer has applied their Electro-Active Polymer (EAP) technology to new sensor configurations. These configurations measure stroke and surface strain, and all benefit from the elasticity of the material and its electrodes.

The basic design of a sensor consists of a section of a dielectric EAP material with electrical connections. The sensor therefore works as a variable, parallel plate capacitor.

To make the material, a silicone rubber film is coated with silver. This allows the film to be used for highly elastic stretch sensors.

When the material is mechanically strained, its capacitance increases due to thickness reduction and length increase. This means it can be used for sensing physical changes such as movement, pressure, strain etc.

This material, called PolyPower, makes for a flexible base for configuring new types of sensors that can conform to complex shapes and structures owing to several features, high elasticity, large strain, and low mechanical interference.