Integrated conductive rubber composites for contact deformation detection of tubular seals

In this paper, a highly sensitive and stretchable conductive rubber composite is integrated into tubular rubber seals for the detection of contact deformations and sealing states. First, the carbon fiber (CF) and carbon black (CB) filled room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone rubber composite is prepared, and the integration of CF/CB/silicone rubber composite and the tubular rubber seal is achieved using an omega-shaped mold. Second, the resistance responses of conductive rubber composites integrated tubular seals with different filler contents under compression are studied, which show good stability and repeatability. Finally, a resistance model relating the relative resistance changes to the compressive strain associated with the strain rate is established to characterize the pressure-sensitive property, which is available to quantitatively detect contact deformations for the tubular seals. This study will present significant guidance in the design and analysis of conductive rubber seals for intelligent and automatic sealing detection.