Evaluation of dispersion of MWCNT/cellulose composites sheet using electrical resistance 3D-mapping for strain sensing. (30th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shin, Pyeong-Su; Kim, Jong-Hyun; Lawrence DeVries, K; Park, Joung-Man
• Is Part Of: Functional composites and structures. Volume 2:Number 2(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06-30
• Subjects: carbon nano tube -- cellulose -- electrical resistance -- mapping -- strain sensing; Composite materials -- Periodicals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1088/2631-6331/ab972f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2631-6331

Abstract

Abstract: Carbon nanomaterials including, but not limited to, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene have attracted considerable attention due to their nanoscale electrical conductivity. Flexible sensors have experienced a growing demand due to several potential applications, such as personalized health monitoring and robots. In this study, CNT/cellulose composite sheets were manufactured using spray methods for flexible sensors. MWCNTs were ultrasonically dispersed in an acetone solvent and flexible plain paper was used as a substrate on which the CNT suspension was sprayed. At the end of the coating process, to remove the acetone solvent, the specimens were dried in an oven. Electrical resistance (ER) three-dimensional-mapping and optical observation were used to confirm and evaluate the dispersion of CNTs on the paper. To access the wettability of CNT/cellulose sheets, the changes of static contact angle of distilled water droplets on the sheets were measured. The critical point of the CNT coating numbers was determined using the ER method as well as the change of wettability using the static contact angle measurements.