Force Sensing Performance of Hydrogel-based Magnetorheological Plastomers with Graphite

The higher demand for sensors and actuators devices is a result of machines and robotic devices incorporating electronics devices in its system. Intelligent material like hydrogel-based magnetorheological plastomer (HMRP) can be considered for its potential to be used in such system, particularly in a low force sensing system. However, the studies on HMRP's potential to be used in a low force detecting system has not been further explored. In this paper, HMRP with 0 wt.% to 15 wt.% of graphite were fabricated and their resistance was tested under applied force ranging from 0 N - 5 N. The resistance was also measured in the absence and presence of magnetic field. With 15 wt.% of graphite, the resistance in the HMRP samples could reach as low as similar to 3000 Omega while applying load up to 5 N resulted in resistance as low as similar to 600 Omega in the absence of magnetic field. In the presence of 0.141 mT of magnetic field, the resistance of HRMP sample with 15 wt.% of graphite could reach as low as similar to 2500 Omega. The establishment of this relationship indicates that HMRP has the potential to be used in a sensing system.