Strain sensing using a multiwalled carbon nanotube film

The effectiveness of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as strain sensors is investigated. The key contribution of this paper is the study of real-time strain response at the macroscale of MWCNT film under tensile load. In addition, real-time voltage change as a function of temperature is examined. MWCNT films attached to a brass specimen by epoxy using vacuum bonding have been studied. The brass specimen is subjected to tensile loading, and voltage output from the MWCNT film is obtained using a four-point probe and a sensitive voltage measurement device. Experimental results show that there is a linear change in voltage across the film when subjected to tension, and the MWCNT film both fully recovers its unstressed state upon unloading and exhibits stable electromechanical properties. The effect of temperature on the voltage output of the nanotube film under no load condition is investigated. From the results obtained it is evident that MWCNT films exhibit a stable and predictable voltage response as a function of temperature. An increase in temperature leads to an increase in conductivity of the nanotube film. The study of MWCNT film for real-time strain sensing at the macroscale is very promising, and the effect of temperature on MWCNT film (with no load) can be reliably predicted.

[1]  S. Nahm,et al.  Variation in electrical resistance versus strain of an individual multiwalled carbon nanotube , 2008 .

[2]  Myounggu Park,et al.  Strain-dependent electrical resistance of multi-walled carbon nanotube/polymer composite films , 2008, Nanotechnology.

[3]  C. Levy,et al.  Multiwalled carbon nanotube film for strain sensing , 2008, Nanotechnology.

[4]  Chuck Zhang,et al.  Processing and modeling of conductive thermoplastic/carbon nanotube films for strain sensing , 2008 .

[5]  Omkaram Nalamasu,et al.  Effects of compressive strains on electrical conductivities of a macroscale carbon nanotube block , 2007 .

[6]  N. Koratkar,et al.  In situ health monitoring and repair in composites using carbon nanotube additives , 2007 .

[7]  N. Kotov,et al.  Multifunctional layer-by-layer carbon nanotube–polyelectrolyte thin films for strain and corrosion sensing , 2007 .

[8]  Yu Sun,et al.  Development of Carbon Nanotube-Based Sensors—A Review , 2007, IEEE Sensors Journal.

[9]  Mark J. Schulz,et al.  A carbon nanotube strain sensor for structural health monitoring , 2006 .

[10]  W Zhang,et al.  Carbon nanotube/polycarbonate composites as multifunctional strain sensors. , 2006, Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

[11]  Gehan A. J. Amaratunga,et al.  Reversible electromechanical characteristics of individual multiwall carbon nanotubes , 2005 .

[12]  Satish Nagarajaiah,et al.  Continuum field model of defect formation in carbon nanotubes , 2005 .

[13]  Geoffrey M. Spinks,et al.  Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Actuators , 2005 .

[14]  N. Koratkar,et al.  Temperature effects on resistance of aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube films. , 2004, Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

[15]  Satish Nagarajaiah,et al.  Carbon Nanotube Film Sensors , 2004 .

[16]  Satish Nagarajaiah,et al.  Nanotube film based on single-wall carbon nanotubes for strain sensing , 2004 .

[17]  W. D. de Heer,et al.  Carbon Nanotubes--the Route Toward Applications , 2002, Science.

[18]  H. Wagner,et al.  Polarized resonance Raman spectroscopy of single-wall carbon nanotubes within a polymer under strain , 2002 .

[19]  Meijie Tang,et al.  Reversible electromechanical characteristics of carbon nanotubes underlocal-probe manipulation , 2000, Nature.

[20]  Linda S. Schadler,et al.  LOAD TRANSFER IN CARBON NANOTUBE EPOXY COMPOSITES , 1998 .

[21]  S. Iijima.  Helical microtubules of graphitic carbon , 1991, Nature.

[22]  F. Smits.  Measurement of sheet resistivities with the four-point probe , 1958 .