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This work explores the possibilities to blend block copolymers, i.e., Pebax MH 1657, with a variety of cheap poly(propylene oxide)‐rich molecules which could potentially play a double role in the resulting membranes as dispersing/stabilizing agents in multi‐component casting solutions and as a gas transport medium in the final membrane. These membranes were prepared by solution casting and were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, density measurements, and Fourier transform infrared‐attenuated total reflection, while additive incorporation was also studied with theoretical calculations. Gas permeation measurements showed that this approach resulted in increased permeabilities at the expense of mixed‐gas selectivity. An interpretation of the blend structure was finally made using gas transport models. The compatibility of these additives with the synthesis of selective gas separation membranes may enable a potential double role in membrane synthesis, i.e., as stabilizing agents in membrane synthesis and as a gas transport medium in the final membrane. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46433.

The manipulation of delicate objects remains a key challenge in the development of industrial robotic grippers. Magnetic force sensing solutions, which provide the required sense of touch, have been demonstrated in previous work. The sensors feature a magnet embedded within a deformable elastomer, which is mounted on top of a magnetometer chip. A key drawback of these sensors lies in the manufacturing process, which relies on the manual assembly of the magnet–elastomer transducer, impacting both the repeatability of measurements across sensors and the potential for a cost-effective solution through mass-manufacturing. In this paper, a magnetic force sensor solution is presented with an optimized manufacturing process that will facilitate mass production. The elastomer–magnet transducer was fabricated using injection molding, and the assembly of the transducer unit, on top of the magnetometer chip, was achieved using semiconductor manufacturing techniques. The sensor enables robust differential 3D force sensing within a compact footprint (5 mm × 4.4 mm × 4.6 mm). The measurement repeatability of these sensors was characterized over multiple samples and 300,000 loading cycles. This paper also showcases how the 3D high-speed sensing capabilities of these sensors can enable slip detection in industrial grippers.