Experimental Characterization of Thermal, Acoustic, Magnetic, and Electrical Properties of Additive Manufactured Composites Reinforced With Ceramic Powders for Robotic Arms

Abstract

ABSTRACT An extensive experimental analysis was conducted to assess the thermal, acoustic, magnetic, and electrical properties of composite materials reinforced with varying ratios of silicon carbide (SiC) and alumina (Al₂O₃) powders, with a focus on enhancing the functionality of robotic arms. This study underscores the innovative potential of these materials for applications in robotics. Mechanical tests showed that composites with 5% SiC and 95% resin achieved a maximum compressive stress of 68 MPa, meeting the structural demands of robotic components. Higher SiC content improved thermal conductivity, reaching 0.25 W/m·K, advantageous for managing heat in robotic joints and actuators. Acoustic testing demonstrated an average sound transmission loss of 20 dB, effectively reducing noise in robotic operations. Additionally, magnetic permeability and electrical permittivity tests revealed that composites with 10% SiC and 90% resin had the highest magnetic energy storage capacity, with a real permeability of 3.5 H/m, providing enhanced electromagnetic shielding. These findings offer valuable insights into optimizing composite materials for robotic arms, demonstrating the importance of experimental validation in developing advanced, multifunctional materials for robotic applications.