Piezoresistive Behavior of PDMS/CNT Nanocomposites Made by VacuumFiltration Method

In this study, the flexible PDMS/CNT nanocomposite film was prepared by layer-by-layer (LBL) production method. This was done by vacuum filtration and doctor-blading deposition method to manufacture a sandwichstructured nanocomposite and then the piezoresistive properties of PDMS/CNT thin film were discussed. Nanocomposite specimen was made with %wt of CNT suspension using CA membranes in Millipore setup.In order to apply vacuum filtration technique, a suspension of CNT particles was prepared. To do this, known amount of CNT particles were dispersed in deionized water by the aim of surfactant material and sonication. Then the suspension was centrifuged to remove any agglomerated CNT particles. Afterward, to ensure the amount of CNT content in suspension, the %wt of CNT has measured again. Depend on CNT content, theobtained CPNC film exhibited an initial electrical resistance of 39.6 KΩ and a great piezoresistive behavior under strain. These nanocomposites have a great potential in the application of flexible and stretchable electronics as well as sensing elements, strain and pressure sensors, biosensors, actuators, tactile sensors, supercapacitors and etc.

Keywords:

Piezoresistive effect , Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) , PDMS/CNT Nanocomposites , VacuumFiltration , Cellulose Acetate (CA) Membrane