Highly flexible strain sensors based on polydimethylsiloxane/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) prepared by a swelling/permeating method and enhanced sensitivity by CNTs surface modification

The use of carbon nanotubes for piezoresistive strain sensors has acquired significant attention due to its unique electromechanical properties. In this comprehensive review paper, we discussed some important aspects of carbon nanotubes for strain sensing at both the nanoscale and macroscale. Carbon nanotubes undergo changes in their band structures when subjected to mechanical deformations. This phenomenon makes them applicable for strain sensing applications. This paper signifies the type of carbon nanotubes best suitable for piezoresistive strain sensors. The electrical resistivities of carbon nanotube thin film increase linearly with strain, making it an ideal material for a piezoresistive strain sensor. Carbon nanotube composite films, which are usually fabricated by mixing small amounts of single-walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes with selected polymers, have shown promising characteristics of piezoresistive strain sensors. Studies also show that carbon nanotubes display a stable and predictable voltage response as a function of temperature.

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In situ purity enhancement/surface modification of single-walled carbon nanotubes synthesized by induction thermal plasma

Journal of Nanoparticle Research ◽

10.1007/s11051-011-0660-0 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Ali Shahverdi ◽

Keun Su Kim ◽

Yasaman Alinejad ◽

Gervais Soucy

Keyword(s):

Carbon Nanotubes ◽

Surface Modification ◽

Thermal Plasma ◽

Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes ◽

Single Walled Carbon ◽

Induction Thermal Plasma ◽

Walled Carbon Nanotubes

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The effect of the surface modification of carbon nanotubes on their dispersion in the epoxy matrix

Polish Journal of Chemical Technology ◽

10.2478/v10026-011-0026-5 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 62-69 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Maria Wladyka-Przybylak ◽

Dorota Wesolek ◽

Weronika Gieparda ◽

Anna Boczkowska ◽

Ewelina Ciecierska

Keyword(s):

Carbon Nanotubes ◽

Surface Modification ◽

Epoxy Resin ◽

Epoxy Matrix ◽

Mechanical Mixing ◽

Weight Percentage ◽

Homogeneous Dispersion ◽

Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes ◽

Mixing Method ◽

Walled Carbon Nanotubes

The effect of the surface modification of carbon nanotubes on their dispersion in the epoxy matrix Functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has an effect on the dispersion of MWCNT in the epoxy matrix. Samples based on two kinds of epoxy resin and different weight percentage of MWCNTs (functionalized and non-functionalized) were prepared. Epoxy/carbon nanotubes composites were prepared by different mixing methods (ultrasounds and a combination of ultrasounds and mechanical mixing). CNTs modified with different functional groups were investigated. Surfactants were used to lower the surface tension of the liquid, which enabled easier spreading and reducing the interfacial tension. Solvents were also used to reduce the liquid viscosity. Some of them facilitate homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes in the resin. The properties of epoxy/nanotubes composites strongly depend on a uniform distribution of carbon nanotubes in the epoxy matrix. The type of epoxy resin, solvent, surfactant and mixing method for homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in the epoxy matrix was evaluated. The effect of CNTs functionalization type on their dispersion in the epoxy resins was evaluated on the basis of viscosity and microstructure studies.

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