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Updated: May 6, 2026
Strain Sensing Based on Multiscale Composite Materials Reinforced with Graphene Nanoplatelets
Published on: November 7, 2016
The piezoresistive effect in graphene-based polymeric composites.
A Tamburrano1, F Sarasini, G De Bellis
1Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, via Eudossiana 18, I-00184 Rome, Italy. Research Center on Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, via Eudossiana 18, I-00184 Rome, Italy.
Polyvinyl ester composites with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) exhibit excellent electrical properties and a low percolation threshold. These advanced materials demonstrate superior strain sensitivity compared to conventional strain gauges.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Nanocomposites
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- Strain gauges are crucial for measuring deformation.
- Developing advanced materials with enhanced piezoresistive properties is an active research area.
- Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) offer unique electrical and mechanical properties for composite applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the strain-dependent electrical resistance of polyvinyl ester-based composites.
- To optimize GNP synthesis and nanocomposite fabrication for improved properties.
- To evaluate the piezoresistive performance of these nanocomposites.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of electrical resistance under strain.
- Optimization of graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) dispersion and composite fabrication.
- Three-point bending tests under quasi-static and dynamic cyclic loading.
Main Results:
- Achieved a low percolation threshold of 0.226 wt% GNP.
- Obtained high electrical conductivity (10 S m⁻¹) at 4 wt% GNP.
- Demonstrated superior strain sensitivity compared to metal foil gauges and other carbon-based films.
Conclusions:
- Polyvinyl ester/GNP nanocomposites possess excellent piezoresistive characteristics.
- The optimized fabrication process leads to highly homogeneous dispersion and outstanding electrical properties.
- These nanocomposites represent a promising alternative to traditional strain sensing technologies.
