Flexible strain sensor based on carbon nanotube rubber composites

Jin-Ho Kim; Young-Ju Kim; Woon Kyung Baek; Kwon Taek Lim; Inpil Kang

doi:10.1117/12.847364

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30 March 2010 Flexible strain sensor based on carbon nanotube rubber composites

Jin-Ho Kim, Young-Ju Kim, Woon Kyung Baek, Kwon Taek Lim, Inpil Kang

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Proceedings Volume 7646, Nanosensors, Biosensors, and Info-Tech Sensors and Systems 2010; 76460N (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.847364
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Electrically conducting rubber composites (CRC) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) filler have received much attention as potential materials for sensors. In this work, Ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber (EPDM)/CNT composites as a novel nano sensory material were prepared to develop flexible strain sensors that can measure large deformation of flexible structures. The EPDM/CNT composites were prepared by using a Brabender mixer with multi-walled CNTs and organo-clay. A strain sensor made of EPDM/CNT composite was attached to the surface of a flexible beam and change of resistance of the strain sensor was measured with respect to the beam deflection. Resistance of the sensor was change quite linearly under the bending and compressive large beam deflection. Upon external forces, CRC deformation takes place with the micro scale change of inter-electrical condition in rubber matrix due to the change of contact resistance, and CRC reveals macro scale piezoresistivity. It is anticipated that the CNT/EPDM fibrous strain sensor can be eligible to develop a biomimetic artificial neuron that can continuously sense deformation, pressure and shear force.

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Jin-Ho Kim, Young-Ju Kim, Woon Kyung Baek, Kwon Taek Lim, and Inpil Kang "Flexible strain sensor based on carbon nanotube rubber composites", Proc. SPIE 7646, Nanosensors, Biosensors, and Info-Tech Sensors and Systems 2010, 76460N (30 March 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.847364

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