Effect of processing conditions on the electrical resistance of MWCNT/ epoxy nanocomposite based strain sensors

Abstract

This paper presents fabrication methods for some Multi Walled Carbon Nano Tube (MWCNT)/epoxy composites. These nanocomposite are characterized with respect to temperature and strain. The effect of parameters such as sonication time, percolation threshold, film thickness, use of substrate and formation of electric contact have been observed. These nanocomposites are fabricated: (i) with mould without substrate, (ii) without mould on poly ethylene terephthalate substrate, (iii) without mould without substrate and (iv) without mould without substrate with embedded electrode wire. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope of these samples is done to measure the dispersion and agglomerates formation of CNT bundles into polymer matrices. Piezoresistive characterization of these samples with respect to temperature and strain is performed. This paper gives a novel strategy for fabricating a highly sensitive MWCNT/epoxy strain sensor with excellent repeatability.