Electrical and mechanical properties of flexible multiwalled carbon nanotube/poly (dimethylsiloxane) based nanocomposite sheets
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2021
Abstract
In this study, the development of highly flexible polymer nanocomposite sheets using multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) in a poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) matrix has been presented. Solution processing technique was employed, and MWCNTs were dispersed in n-hexane, and PDMS is resulting in a homogenous dispersion (between 2 wt% and 10 wt%). Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) images show the distribution of MWCNTs within PDMS matrix, which form continuous conductive networks resulting in percolation threshold even at 2 wt% filler concentrations. The electrical conductivity of the fabricated nanocomposite sheets was found to be about 1.3-158.2 S/m. Samples with 2 wt% and 4 wt% filler concentrations exhibit excellent temporal stability both in ambient and vacuum conditions, with near-zero temperature coefficient of resistance. The nanocomposite sheets used for mechanical studies were made as per ASTM D-412-C standards. For an optimal filler concentration of 5.58 wt% can be observed with stiffness of 0.486 MPa, the tensile strength of 0.422 MPa, the electrical conductivity of about 39.5 S/m, and elongation up to 120%. Therefore, this filler concentration is most suited for fabricating flexible strain sensors with good conductivity and temporal stability.
Keywords
Carbon nanotubes, Nanocomposites, Poly(dimethylsiloxane), Flexible sensor, Tensile strength, Strain sensor
Divisions
mechanical
Funders
King Saud University [RSP-2021/42]
Publication Title
Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
Volume
9
Issue
6
Publisher
Elsevier Science Ltd
Publisher Location
THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND