Experimental studies on mechanical and dielectric behavior of Glycerol filled Silicone rubber composites

In this study, Silicone rubber composites are prepared with Glycerol filler in three different volume fractions. The samples developed are subjected to mechanical and dielectric testing. The tensile strength increases first and later decreases with Glycerol loading whereas compression strength decreases with Glycerol loading. Modulus of elasticity in tension and compression both decreases with the increase of Glycerol loading. Dielectric permittivity, dissipation factor and conductivity are increases with the increase of Glycerol loading. The Silicone Rubber (SR) composite with 15% volume of Glycerol filler shown a maximum reduction in modulus of elasticity of 29% (in tension) and 16.8% (in compression), and maximum improvement in the dielectric permittivity of 112% compared to neat silicone rubber. The reduction in modulus of elasticity with an increase in dielectric permittivity with an increase in Glycerol loading suggests that this material is a potential candidate for materials to be used in soft dielectric sensors and actuator applications.