Electrical and Mechanical Properties of PEDOT:PSS Strain Sensor based Microwave Plasma modified Pre-vulcanized Rubber Surface

Abstract

Poly(3, 4- ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) conductive polymer has been extensively used in various applications including flexible electrode and stretchable sensor. This study reports the electrical and mechanical strain behaviours of PEDOT:PSS deposited on pre-vulcanized rubber substrate, which is modified surface by microwave plasma. The effect of plasma treatment cycles on adhesion of PEDOT:PSS coated pre-vulcanized rubber and conductivity have been investigated. The results show a uniform PEDOT:PSS film on rubber surface after treating with microwave plasma. The electrical conductivity slightly increases by increasing treatment cycles. In addition, an electrical strain and mechanical strain increase up to 60 and 50%, respectively under 4 treatment cycles.