Open Access
Subscription or Fee Access
Highly Stretchable Strain Sensor based on Polyurethane-modified Carbon Nanotube Buckypaper
Abstract
This work focuses on the development of flexible strain sensors based on nanocomposites of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and carbon nanotube (CNT) buckypaper (BP). A one-step filtration process is used to fabricate the TPU-CNT BP sensors, providing tailorability of CNT:TPU ratio. The developed sensors retain the porous morphology of buckypaper even at relatively high TPU content. Characterization of morphology, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties is reported. In addition, electromechanical response was investigated for both quasistatic loads (strains up to 125%) and cyclic loads (1% and 5% strains). Cyclic tests show a repeatable response that becomes predictable after a few cycles. The combination of mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and constant and high gauge factor makes this material promising as a free-standing sensing material.