Tuning of liquid sensing performance of conductive carbon black (CB)/polypropylene (PP) composite utilizing a segregated structure

Carbon black (CB)/polypropylene (PP) with a novel segregated structure was fabricated. For this composite, CB particles were selectively distributed on the interfaces between PP polyhedrons, leading to a lower percolation threshold (2.34 vol%). Liquid sensing behaviors of the composite were studied. Nice selectivity, high response rate and high response intensity have been achieved. The designed interfaces, which accelerate the penetration of solvents under the action of the capillary effect, are responsible for the nice performances. A fine reproducibility has also been obtained. This study offers an approach for manufacturing high performance liquid sensor by tailoring the microstructure of a composite.