Multifunctional, liquid metal embedded soft materials towards seals with embedded electronics for space applications

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Abstract

Seals affected by lunar dust exposure, mechanical degradation, or material defects pose significant challenges to the longevity and operation of equipment in space environments. Seals play critical roles in ensuring the performance of space equipment and astronaut safety. Here, we introduce an approach to enhance seal functionality by developing electronic seals that provide real-time monitoring of seal health while maintaining functional sealing properties. We embedded elastomeric seals with a liquid metal (LM) and fluoroelastomer (FKM) composite system used as electrodes for capacitive displacement sensing. These sensors enable the continuous monitoring of seal degradation by detecting compression and mechanical damage. The electronic seals are capable of detecting strains as low as 0.28%, with up to a 73% change in capacitance for 35% strain. With a gauge factor over 2, the sensors provide a means for early identification of structural alterations and potential leaks under typical compressive loading conditions. Through conventional characterization methods, we designed a seal structure for the integration of soft electronics, while preserving essential properties and demonstrating sensing abilities. This work advances active seal monitoring technology, which improves the reliability of future in-space systems. Future studies will focus on evaluating material performance in a variety of extreme environments.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Proceedings of SPIE the International Society for Optical Engineering

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