Analysis of important fabrication factors that determine the sensitivity of MWCNT/Epoxy composite strain sensors

Composite sensors based on carbon nanotubes have been leading to significant research providing interesting aspects for realizing cost-effective and sensitive piezoresistive strain sensors. Here, we report a wide range of piezoresistive performance investigations by modifying fabrication factors such as multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) concentration and sensor dimensions for MWCNT/epoxy composites. The resistance change measurement analyzed the influence of the fabrication factors on the changes in the gauge factor. The dispersion quality of MWCNTs in the epoxy polymer matrix was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and conductivity measurement results. A configuration circuit was designed to use the composite sensor effectively. It has been shown that, in comparison with commercially available strain gauges, composites with CNT fillers have the potential to attain structural health monitoring capabilities by utilizing the variation of electrical conductivity and its relation to strain or damage within the composite. Based on the characteristics of the MWCNT, we predicted the range of conductivity that can be seen in the fabricated composite. The sensor may require a large surface area and a thin thickness as fabrication factors at minimum filler concentration capable of exhibiting a tunneling effect, in order to fabricate a sensor with high sensitivity. The proposed composite sensors will be suitable in various potential strain sensor applications, including structural health monitoring.