anemone sensor silicone circuit - designed for potential uses in underwater or natural environments to sense the presence/movement of small animals
remixed from another stroke sensor built with conductive textile threads
instructions focus on the form factor and composition of a successful sensor using silicone, so display only a simple output and ad-hoc circuit as proof-of-concept
part of a larger exploration into the use of conductive silicone
take advantage of the material properties of silicone.
authored by - interested professionally in ‘digital naturalism’, a prolific contributor to online maker communities and runs an on-site maker lab in the jungle
I tried this project for remix assignment, used graphite powder over carbon fibre and struggled with correct mixture ratios for enough conductivity
hated the gloop of working with silicone but saw the potential of flexible moulded sensors, soft circuitry, elements for puppetry etc
waterproofing, suitable for underwater application, no corroding wires
likely unsuitable for other extreme weather conditions such as heat or wind damage, but physically somewhat reliable as can still work under duress or damage
salt/pH level/other chemical compositions of containing liquids?
firm and flexible without being brittle, can snap back into moulded shape
stretch and bend
can cast very thin or very thick
skin-like, relatively natural human feel
combines well with both hard and soft elements, could be good connector/inbetween
can 3D print precise moulds, or make moulds from waste materials
Pure silicon is a semi-conductor, the outer electrons are tied up in the covalent bond - small amounts of energy can free them from the lattice (Source)
“At low voltages they are insulators, but they begin to conduct electricity if the applied voltage is high enough.” (Source)
“semiconductors become better conductors as the temperature increases.” (Source)