Electrical and piezoresistive properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube/polymer composite films aligned by an electric field
- ,
- F. Avilésa(Author),
- V. Sosab(Author)
- aCentro de Investigacion Cientifica de Yucatan,
- bCentro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional
Publication Information
Tipo di output
Lingua originale
EnglishPagine da-a (Numero di pagine)
Pagine 2989-2997 (9 pagine)Rivista (volume, numero edizione)
Carbon (Volume 49, Edizione 9)Attività cardine della pubblicazione
- Published - 01/08/2011
Stato pubblicazione
ISSN
0008-6223ID pubblicazione esterna
- Scopus: 79955557810
Abstract
Aligned multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polymer composite films are prepared by solution casting in the presence of an alternating electric field. Application of 7 kV/m at a frequency of 60 Hz to the polymer composite melt induces MWCNT alignment in the direction of the applied field, which is maintained after polymer crystallization. The electrical conductivity and piezoresistive response of electric-field-aligned and randomly oriented 0.1-0.75 wt% MWCNT/polysulfone films are evaluated. Electrical conductivity is 3-5 orders of magnitude higher for composites with electric-field-aligned MWCNTs than for randomly oriented composites. MWCNT alignment inside the polymer matrix also increases the film piezoresistive sensitivity, enhancing the strain sensing capabilities of the composite film.