Carbon black silicone composite in surgical simulation—A detailed electromechanical characterization

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. A. Physical. 2024-05, Vol.370, p.115262, Article 115262
• Main Authors: Thurner, Thomas, Pruckner, Roland, Maier, Julia, Kaltenbrunner, Martin, Schrempf, Andreas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon black silicone composite; Electromechanical characterization; Hyper visco elasto plastic material model; Soft sensors; Surgical simulation; Synthetic tissue imitation
• ISSN: 0924-4247; 1873-3069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sna.2024.115262

The integration of advanced materials into surgical simulators has revolutionized medical training. In this study, a detailed characterization of carbon black silicone composites specifically designed as soft sensor material in hybrid surgical simulators including a hyper visco plasto elastic model is performed. Carbon black-silicone composites offer unique properties such as flexibility, softness and electrical conductivity, making them ideal for integration into synthetic tissue imitations in simulators. These sensors provide real-time feedback on tissue deformation, improving the realism and evaluation capability of surgical simulations. The comprehensive, closed-form material model enables detailed analysis of the composite’s mechanical and electrical behavior, accounting for viscoelasticity, plasticity and hyperelasticity. The application of this model provides insights into the behavior of the conductive composite in different sensory scenarios, which facilitates the development of more realistic simulators. [Display omitted] •Electromechanical characterization of a Carbon Black silicone composite material.•Tissue-like haptics of composite for use in surgical simulators.•Hyper visco elasto plastic material model.•Applicability as soft sensors in deformable and stretchable structures.