Investigation of electrical conductivity and sensor properties of MWCNT reinforced nanocomposite textile surfaces

Purpose The aim of the study is primarily to ensure the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite textile surface that is produced. Subsequently, the sensor properties were determined by monitoring the resistance changes under tensile forces. Design/methodology/approach Thermoplastic polyurethane solution was prepared by adding MWCNT and SDS for the production of a nanocomposite textile surface by the electrospinning method. In the present study, it was aimed to improve the conductivity and sensor properties by increasing the surface area via nanotechnological production methods depending on the MWCNT and SDS ratios. Findings It was determined that the vertical and horizontal samples taken from the produced nanocomposite surfaces had electrical properties. In the present study, the relation between the SDS and MWCNT incorporation has been proven not only with the viscosity but also with the conductivity values of the solution. On the other hand, enhanced conductivity is obtained for the SDS-incoorporated nanocomposites for which homogeneous distribution is maintained. The findings of the study indicate that there were resistance changes for the produced nanocomposite surfaces under tension forces, and thus sensor properties were obtained. Originality/value It has been observed that studies on textile-based sensors have increased in recent years. In these studies, conductive materials are adapted to textile structures by coating and impregnation methods. In the present study, nanocomposite surfaces were obtained by the electrospinning method with the incoorporation of conductive MWCNT and SDS into a thermoplastic polyurethane solution. Owing to the homogeneous distribution of the conductive particles into the composite system, the conductivity of the nanomats was remarkably enhanced. For the obtained nanocomposite mats, resistance change under extension stress is maintained, and thus they can be utilized as strain sensors.