Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1416478 Carbon 2011 5 Pages PDF
Abstract

We fabricated a piezoresistive composite using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a conductive filler and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a polymer matrix, which operated in the extremely small pressure range required for finger-sensing. To achieve a homogeneous dispersion of MWCNTs in PDMS, the MWCNTs were modified by a polymer wrapping method using poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). The percolation threshold of the composites was significantly lowered by the presence of P3HT. The electrical conductivity and piezoresistive sensitivity of the composite were found to strongly depend on the P3HT concentration. The well-dispersed P3HT-MWCNT/PDMS composite showed good piezoresistive characteristics in the 0–0.12 MPa pressure range.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► MWCNTs/PDMS composite with P3HT shows piezoresistive effect. ► P3HT helps the dispersion of MWCNTs in both solution and composite. ► The concentration of P3HT in the composite affects piezoresistive sensitivity.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Energy Energy (General)
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