Multifunctional CMC/silicone composite sensor elements as the tactile and proximity sensors

The tactile and proximity sensing properties of CMC/silicone composites were studied by evaluating with the impedance Z as a function of CMC content in matrix. The optimum CMC content as proximity sensor element was 3 wt%, while the tactile sensor properties were increased in intensity with CMC content (over 7 wt%). The CMC sensor element with surface size of 300 times 300 mm and with a CMC content of 3 wt% is able to detect the existence of a human palm that is about 30 cm away from CMC sensor element. Furthermore, the dramatic change of impedance Z was observed at just contact. We succeeded in the preparation of CMC sensor element with tactile and proximity sensing property.