Overview
This project with Swansea University will investigate the electro-mechanical fatigue for both DEGs and DFGs. The materials used in these devices need to withstand millions of cycles but also deliver high electric constants, high permittivity and have self-sensing capabilities for optimal energy harvesting performance and control.
This PhD will investigate 2D conductive fillers (e.g. MXene) which enable integrated electrodes within the elastomer matrix alleviating the debonding risks of sandwiched based elastomer-electrode solutions. The project will start with the synthesis of fatigue resistance elastomers with integrated electrodes. A comprehensive experimental campaign will examine the fatigue life of electrodes, elastomer and combined system under biaxial loading conditions (as expected in operation). Finally, the project will develop 3D printed metamaterials for both DEG/DFG concepts based on the findings from the experimental characterisation study.