Optimized dielectric performance of hybrid PANI/AB filled natural rubber latex foam for smart sensor applications

Abstract

Abstract In this study, conductive Natural rubber latex foam was fabricated using the Dunlop method with Ab and PANI as reinforcements. The effects of vulcanization temperature and filler content on the dielectric constant were systematically studied using the RSM-CCD method. FESEM and FTIR analyses proved the successful distribution of PANI and AB within the NRLF matrix with the formation of conductive pathways. Dielectric constant value ranging from 1.5 to 5 was obtained for the prepared samples using the parallel plate capacitance method. ANOVA and CCD analysis revealed that the total hybrid filler concentration had a greater impact on the dielectric constant of the samples than the individual fillers. A dielectric constant of 12.7908 was obtained at 2.5 phr PANI, 2.5 phr AB and a vulcanization temperature of 120°C during the optimization study. This demonstrates that to achieve enhanced performance, the vulcanization temperature has to exhibit an optimum range while the concentration of the fillers has to be increased. NRLF can maintain its lightweight porous structure while simultaneously improving its dielectric properties and the incorporation of the hybrid conductive fillers was able to significantly enhance the dielectric constant value of NRLF which makes it suitable for multifunctional applications such as EMI-Shielding and Sensors.