Stretchable Elastomer–PCM Composites with Bluetooth-Enabled Temperature Monitoring for Wearable Healthcare IoT Devices

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 04 | Page : 241 257
    By

    A. Chandrashekhar,

  • J. Samson Isaac,

  • S.Ponni alias sathya,

  • Velmurugan V,

  • Chintureena Thingom,

  • K.R. Prasanna Kumar,

  • J. Ananth,

  • A.Thilagavathy,

  • Jayarama Pradeep,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Icfai Foundation for Higher Education, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Information Technology, Dr. Mahalingam college of engineering and Technology, Pollachi, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Aditya University, Surampalem, Andhra Pradesh, India
  6. Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science and Design, Kongu Engineering College, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India
  7. Professor, Department of Marine Engineering, AMET Deemed to be University, Kanathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  8. Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, R.M.K Engineering College, Kavaraipettai, Tamil Nadu, India
  9. Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The rapid advancement of wearable healthcare technologies has created a growing demand for multifunctional polymer composites capable of simultaneously providing mechanical flexibility, thermal energy management, electrical conductivity, sensing capability, and wireless communication. In this study, a stretchable elastomer-based polymer composite integrated with a phase-change material and a Bluetooth Low Energy temperature monitoring system was developed for wearable healthcare Internet-of-Things applications. The polymer composite was fabricated using an Ecoflex silicone elastomer matrix containing microencapsulated paraffin phase-change material, multi-walled carbon nano-tubes, and carbon black nanoparticles to create a multifunctional polymer nano-composite with combined thermal and electrical functionalities. Morphological characterization revealed uniform dispersion of PCM microcapsules and conductive nano-fillers, promoting effective interfacial adhesion and stable conductive pathways throughout the polymer composite matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry confirmed retention of latent heat storage behaviour, exhibiting melting and crystallization peaks near 33.4°C and 31.2°C, respectively. Mechanical testing demonstrated excellent flexibility and stretchability, with elongation exceeding 250%, while cyclic loading-unloading studies verified outstanding durability and elastic recovery under repeated deformation. Electrical conductivity increased significantly because of synergistic percolation networks formed between carbon nanotubes and carbon black particles. Integration of a DS18B20 sensor and ESP32 BLE module enabled accurate real-time wireless temperature monitoring with accuracy exceeding 98%. Thermal regulation experiments demonstrated slower heating and more gradual cooling than neat elastomer, highlighting effective latent heat storage. This polymer composite shows strong potential for healthcare.

Keywords: Stretchable elastomer, PCM composite, temperature monitoring, wearable devices, nano-fillers

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer & Composites ]

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How to cite this article:
A. Chandrashekhar, J. Samson Isaac, S.Ponni alias sathya, Velmurugan V, Chintureena Thingom, K.R. Prasanna Kumar, J. Ananth, A.Thilagavathy, Jayarama Pradeep. Stretchable Elastomer–PCM Composites with Bluetooth-Enabled Temperature Monitoring for Wearable Healthcare IoT Devices. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):241-257.
How to cite this URL:
A. Chandrashekhar, J. Samson Isaac, S.Ponni alias sathya, Velmurugan V, Chintureena Thingom, K.R. Prasanna Kumar, J. Ananth, A.Thilagavathy, Jayarama Pradeep. Stretchable Elastomer–PCM Composites with Bluetooth-Enabled Temperature Monitoring for Wearable Healthcare IoT Devices. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):241-257. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=248223


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Issue 04
Received 12/06/2026
Accepted 22/06/2026
Published 02/07/2026
Publication Time 20 Days
48

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