Development of New Sensor and Sensing Technique by Electrolytic Polymerization with Utilizing a Magnetic Field and MCF Rubber on Robotics

Abstract

　Ordinary electrolytic polymerization has involved plastic-type polymer solutions. Rubber, especially natural rubber, has not been focused on until recently owing to the fact that electrolytic polymerization has only a very small effect on rubber. However, when the C=C bonds of natural rubber is focused on, the same electrolytic polymerization is applicable to be enlarged on the natural rubber if a magnetic field and a filler are aided. With the application of a magnetic field and a magnetic responsive fluid such as magnetic compound fluid (MCF) as a filler, the effect of electrolytic polymerization on NR-latex such as plastic-type polymer solutions is enhanced. The present new method of vulcanization of MCF rubber is effective enough that it is widely used in haptic sensors in robotics as well as in engineering applications. In the present report, we introduce its mechanism and the electric and dynamic characteristics as well as Piezo effect.