Carbon Fiber Flexible Strain Sensors
Small strain sensors based on carbon fiber reinforced elastomer
Research Objective: Develop small-scale flexible strain sensors using polymer nanocomposite materials and evaluate them based on mechanical and electrical properties using a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer and a Solartron Electrical Characterization Tool
Abstract:
By combining the elastic behavior of the polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and the electrical conductivity enhancements produced by low concentrations of vapor-grown carbon fibers (VGCFs), we are able to demonstrate a small-scale linear strain sensor using a thin film of a PDMS/VGCF nanocomposite. The purpose of this study is to characterize and compare PDMS/VGCF thin films at different VGCF weight percentages to determine which parameters are most useful for strain sensor applications. VGCFs are thoroughly dispersed in PDMS at seven different weight percentages (0% - 4%), and characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis and electrical conductivity at a variety of applied deformations. Based on these measurements, we are able to develop plots of strain vs. electrical conductivity, which will enable us to apply the thin films as small-scale strain sensors. By continuously monitoring the electrical conductivity of the samples, strain can be calculated based on the corresponding plot of strain vs. electrical conductivity. Small-scale strain sensors can be very useful in a variety of real-life applications, including micromachining, which calls for efficient strain monitoring while not hindering the operations of the mechanism. Our PDMS/VGCF thin films can be applied as small inexpensive strain sensors capable of measuring both mechanical and thermal strain.
Advisor:
Kyriaki Kalaitzidou
