Electromechanical coupling in elastomers: a correlation between electrostatic potential and fatigue failure

• DOI: 10.1039/d1cp02442f
• Publication Date: 2021-09-24T09:14:48Z
• Authors: Yan A. Santos da ...; Dylan Mehler; Ezequiel Lorenzett; Kelly S. Moreira; Ana L. Devens; Leandra P. dos Sa...; Fernando Galembeck; Thiago A. L. Burgo
• Keywords: 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology

The recent discovery of electromechanical coupling in elastomers showed periodic electrification phase with rubber stretching but following different electrostatic potential patterns. In this work, a Kelvin electrode monitored silicone and natural for extended periods until the tubing underwent rupture. electric follows regular, quasi-sinusoidal patterns at beginning during whole run, except when close to fatigue failure, changing into complex waveforms. attractors on latex become chaotic roughly 50 seconds before rupture nearby orbits diverge wildly. Thus, mechanical-to-electrical transduction alerts failure nearly one minute ahead breakdown. Moreover, maps stretched rubbers show sites, evidencing contribution These results convenient features non-contact, real-time prediction adding possibility environmental energy harvesting.