Underwater current leakage between encapsulated NiChrome tracks: Implications for strain-gauges and other implantable devices

Silicone rubber encapsulation appears as a realistic low-cost alternative to the hermetic packaging of thin-film strain-gauges. However, this is conditional to achieving a suitable degree of cleanliness of all surfaces prior to encapsulation. Cleaning and rinsing procedures should therefore be evaluated before opting for this method.