Fabrication of elastic tensile fuses based on the curing ratio and temperature for an emergency alarm system

Abstract

This study presents a method for fabricating elastic tensile fuses using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The fuses are created by exploiting the variations in the physical properties of PDMS under different curing conditions. The curing temperature sequence primarily influences the bonding strength at the interface with PDMS, whereas the curing ratio sequence contributes to the differences in bonding strength. Accordingly, we successfully verified that the blown tensile length can be varied by adjusting the curing temperature and curing ratio. Thus, by modifying the curing conditions, an elastic tensile fuse with a specified tensile length ranging from 27.2 to 47.9 mm can be fabricated. Following the additional processing of the manufactured elastic tensile fuse, a tensile fuse-alarm system is developed and successfully demonstrated. By installing an elastic tensile fuse with an opaque film between the photosensors, the system is designed to detect when a fuse is blown. This system employs an LED that changes its color and signal when an elastic tensile fuse is blown. The developed alarm system is expected to be applicable in situations where gaps are a concern, such as railways or buildings, leading to structural changes and potential risks.