Session: IMECE Undergraduate Research and Design Exposition

Paper Number: 121125

121125 - Development of Dry Electroencephalography Electrodes Using Soft Conductive Composites 

The Electroencephalography (EEG) system is widely used in clinical and lab studies to understand human brain activity, underlying neural conditions, and treatment. Current researchers are finding new applications to apply the EEG system using dry EEG electrodes. Dry EEG provides brain activity recording wirelessly, increases the mobility of the subject, and requires less preparation time on the subject. However, the higher resistance between the scalp and electrodes in commercially available Dry EEG devices, along with the subject's discomfort, is likely to produce inaccurate data, which can affect the EEG recording. In this study, we are introducing a new design of dry electrode that is made of soft and conductive materials. The composite is manufactured with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and carbon fiber (CF). The PDMS is used as a matrix and the CF is used as the filler material of the composite. The soft conductive materials provide more comfort as well as sufficient conductivity from the carbon fiber. The conductivity of the final composite is similar to the conductivity of Human skin. The composites were produced by differing the filler weight percentage (wt%). The research has also led to a new method of Dry EEG Electrode fabrication which is called the ‘Ablation’ method, allowing users to expand their creativity through their prototype designs/fabrications. Throughout this research, several prototypes of electrode designs are developed. A total of three designs were finalized considering the structural integrity and scalp-to-electrode surface contact. Each design was manufactured and tested to ensure comfort. The produced Dry EEG electrodes were compared with commercially available electrodes. We introduced a technique to compare comfort by using the tensile testing machine. The compression test resultsshow that the manufactured design provides less compression resistance than the commercially available product. These results ensure that the subject will experience reduced pressure against the scalp which guarantees comfort. The completed designs were further examined using a Dry EEG device to check their suitability for recording. The long-term goal of this experiment is to implement the improved comfortable Dry EEG system in our daily activities. The most vital suggestion is to apply the EEG system to helmets to record brain conditions for occupations such as the military, astronauts, car racers, cyclists, etc. With the inclusion of the EEG in the mentioned activities, the brain condition of the usersis ensured to remain at a healthy level. Additionally, the EEG-compact helmet will be capable of recording scenarios when the brain is experiencing stress so that the user can study and improve their performance.

Presenting Author: Vi Pham The University of Texas at Arlington

Presenting Author Biography: I am currently a Junior at the University of Texas at Arlington studying Aerospace Engineer with a minor of Mechanical Engineer. Currently, I am working on Composite Materials Manufacturing, EEG Electrode Development, and Biomechanics. I am skilled in MatLab, 3D Modeling and Printing. I plan to become a Professor in this field of study.

Authors:

Vi Pham The University of Texas at Arlington
Richie Ranaisa Daru The University of Texas at Arlington
Ashfaq Adnan The University of Texas at Arlington