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Processing and Characterization of a Novel Distributed Strain Sensor Using Carbon Nanotube-Based Nonwoven Composites
Hongbo Dai1,2, Erik T Thostenson3,4, Thomas Schumacher5,6
1Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA. hongbo@udel.edu.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 22, 2015
Summary
This study introduces a new carbon nanotube (CNT) composite sensor for structural health monitoring (SHM). The cost-effective, scalable sensor accurately measures real-time strain, offering advantages in coverage and customizability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Structural health monitoring (SHM) requires reliable and cost-effective strain sensing solutions.
- Existing strain gauges have limitations in spatial coverage and customizability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an innovative carbon nanotube-based non-woven composite sensor for strain sensing.
- To evaluate its potential for structural health monitoring applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a nanocomposite strain sensor by coating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) onto a nonwoven fabric and infusing it with epoxy.
- Characterization of the sensor's electrical properties to measure real-time deformation.
- Testing of sensor repeatability, linearity, and strain gage factors.
Main Results:
- Achieved repeatable and linear strain measurements up to 0.4% strain.
- Obtained highest elastic strain gage factors of 1.9 (longitudinal) and 4.0 (transverse).
- Demonstrated potential for spatial coverage, manufacturing customizability, and distributed sensing.
Conclusions:
- The developed CNT-based non-woven composite sensor is a promising, cost-effective option for SHM.
- The sensor offers unique advantages over traditional strain gauges, including enhanced transverse sensitivity and distributed sensing capabilities.
