Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
7214533 | Composites Science and Technology | 2018 | 23 Pages |
Abstract
A functional polymer-matrix composite (PMC) with controllable material properties is emerging as a promising material for the smart sensors in structural health monitoring (SHM). A GnF/PDMS composite is developed as a new functional PMC by blending graphite nanoflakes (GnFs) with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) where GnF and PDMS are used as a reinforcing/conductive filler and an elastic host matrix, respectively. We characterize the mechanoelectrical property-controllable GnF/PDMS composite, mainly focusing on the following issues: (i) determination of the best solvent for the preparation of a GnF/PDMS composite solution, (ii) exploration of changes in the mechanoelectrical properties of the functional PMC induced by variations in the aspect ratio (AR) and concentration of GnF. Among 9 kinds of common solvents, benzene shows both high GnF dispersibility and excellent PDMS compatibility, therefore being chosen as the optimal solvent. Variations in GnF AR (223-1017) and GnF concentration (1.0-25.0â¯wt.%) lead to significant changes in the elastic modulus, fracture strain, electrical conductivity, and gauge factor of the functional PMC in the ranges of 0.39-13.8â¯MPa, 0.09 to 2.54, 6.97â¯Ãâ¯10â6 to 221.0â¯S/m, and 6 to about 37,000, respectively. The empirical models for predicting the mechanoelectrical properties of the functional PMC are also intensively studied. Our GnF/PDMS composite is expected to be used as a functional PMC for the development of smart sensors that detect deformation and fracture in structures.
Related Topics
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Engineering (General)
Authors
Sungmin Park, Gyungmok Nam, Young Choi, Seungpyo Woo, Wonyoung Uhm, Sanghyun Park, Sang-Hee Yoon,