Temperature-compensated force/pressure sensor based on multi-walled carbon nanotube epoxy composites

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Force and pressure sensors are crucial in various applications.
• Developing robust sensors with high sensitivity and temperature stability remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a multi-walled carbon nanotube epoxy composite sensor for force and pressure sensing.
• To optimize sensor design and investigate the impact of filler content and temperature on performance.

Main Methods:

• Finite element method (FEM) for optimizing electrode dimensions and layer thickness.
• Fabrication of nanocomposite elements with varying filler contents.
• Cyclical and stepped load testing at defined temperatures.
• Temperature compensation using a four-element configuration.

Main Results:

• The sensor operates effectively in the 50 N to 2 kN range.
• Filler content selection requires balancing sensitivity, temperature influence, and noise.
• A minimum force of 50 N is resolvable at constant temperature.
• A measurement error of 150 N is observed across a -20°C to 50°C temperature range.

Conclusions:

• The proposed multi-walled carbon nanotube epoxy composite sensor offers a viable solution for force and pressure sensing.
• Careful selection of filler content is critical for optimizing sensor performance.
• Temperature compensation strategies are essential for reliable operation in varying thermal environments.