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Strain Sensing Based on Multiscale Composite Materials Reinforced with Graphene Nanoplatelets
Published on: November 7, 2016
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Graphene-Elastomer Composites with Segregated Nanostructured Network for Liquid and Strain Sensing Application
Yong Lin1, Xuchu Dong1, Shuqi Liu1
1College of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Lab of Guangdong Province for High Property and Functional Macromolecular Materials, South China University of Technology , Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|August 24, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed graphene-based elastomer composites using ice-templating for a segregated network. This novel structure achieved an ultra-low electrical percolation threshold and enhanced sensing capabilities for advanced material applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Fabricating effective sensing materials requires continuous networks with low percolation thresholds.
- Graphene-based composites are promising but achieving optimal network structures remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop graphene-based elastomer composites with a segregated nanostructured graphene network.
- To investigate the impact of this segregated network on electrical and sensing properties.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a novel ice-templating strategy to create segregated nanostructured graphene networks in natural rubber (NR) composites.
- Characterized the electrical percolation threshold, liquid sensing responsivity, and mechanical stretchability of the composites.
Main Results:
- Achieved an ultra-low electrical percolation threshold of 0.4 vol % graphene, an 8-fold improvement over homogeneous composites.
- Demonstrated high liquid sensing responsivity (6700) and fast response time (114 s).
- Exhibited excellent stretchability (up to 60% strain) and sensitivity (gauge factor ≈ 139) with good reproducibility (∼400 cycles).
Conclusions:
- The ice-templated segregated graphene network significantly enhances the performance of graphene-elastomer composites.
- These composites show great potential as multifunctional sensing materials due to their superior electrical and mechanical properties.
