journal article·2020-11Open access

3D printed high-performance flexible strain sensors based on carbon nanotube and graphene nanoplatelet filled polymer composites

Dong Xiang, Xuezhong Zhang, Zhuohang Han, Zixi Zhang, Zuoxin Zhou, Eileen Harkin-Jones, Jie Zhang, Xia Luo, Ping Wang, Chunxia Zhao, Yuntao Li

Journal of Materials Science· Volume 55· Issue 33

Abstract

In this study, high-performance flexible strain sensors based on carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) filled thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites were fabricated via Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing. The introduction of GNPs generated a more complete conductive network of the composites due to the improved nanofiller dispersion. Due to the synergy of CNTs and GNPs, the printed CNT/GNP(3:1)/TPU sensor shows higher sensitivity (GF = 136327.4 at 250% strain), larger detectable range (0–250% strain), and better stability (3000 cycles) compared with the CNT/TPU and GNP/TPU sensors with a nanofiller content of 2 wt%. Furthermore, the printed sensors can accurately detect strains at different frequencies (0.01–1 Hz). A modelling study based on tunneling theory was conducted to analysis the strain sensing mechanism, and the theoretical results agreed well with the experimental data. The capability of the sensors in monitoring physiological activities and speech recognition has also been demonstrated.
Source: openaire · Quality: candidate unverified · Source record ↗

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies · Neuroscience and Neural Engineering

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

References (40)

Show source-provided references
1. Zhao K, Niu W, Zhang S (2020) Highly stretchable, breathable and negative resistance variation textile strain sensor with excellent mechanical stability for wearable electronics. J Mater Sci 55:2439–2453. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-019-04189-x10.1007/s10853-019-04189-x ↗
2. Hwang B, Choi S, Lee K, Kim J (2018) Highly stretchable and transparent electrode fi lm based on SWCNT/Silver nanowire hybrid nanocomposite. Compos Part B 151:1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2018.06.00410.1016/j.compositesb.2018.06.004 ↗
3. Meng Q, Liu Z, Han S, Xu L (2019) IFES sciences for life A facile approach to fabricate highly sensitive, flexible strain sensor based on elastomeric/graphene platelet composite film. J Mater Sci 54:10856–10870. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-019-03650-110.1007/s10853-019-03650-1 ↗
4. Dou Y, Liu H, Peng J et al (2016) A green method for preparation of CNT/CS/AgNP composites and evaluation of their catalytic performance. J Mater Sci 51:5685–5694. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-016-9871-110.1007/s10853-016-9871-1 ↗
5. Zhang R, Deng H, Valenca R et al (2013) Strain sensing behaviour of elastomeric composite films containing carbon nanotubes under cyclic loading. Compos Sci Technol 74:1–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2012.09.01610.1016/j.compscitech.2012.09.016 ↗
6. Wang Y, Hao J, Huang Z et al (2018) Flexible electrically resistive-type strain sensors based on reduced graphene oxide-decorated electrospun polymer fibrous mats for human motion monitoring. Carbon 126:360–371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2017.10.03410.1016/j.carbon.2017.10.034 ↗
7. Kim JY, Ji S, Jung S et al (2017) 3D printable composite dough for stretchable, ultrasensitive and body-patchable strain sensors. Nanoscale 9:11035–11046. https://doi.org/10.1039/c7nr01865g10.1039/c7nr01865g ↗
8. Liu H, Gao J, Huang W et al (2016) Electrically conductive strain sensing polyurethane nanocomposites with synergistic carbon nanotubes and graphene bifillers. Nanoscale 8:12977–12989. https://doi.org/10.1039/c6nr02216b10.1039/c6nr02216b ↗
9. Ma Z, Wei A, Ma J, Shao L et al (2018) Lightweight, compressible and electrically conductive polyurethane sponges coated with synergistic multiwalled carbon nanotubes and graphene for piezoresistive sensors. Nanoscale 10:7116–7126. https://doi.org/10.1039/c8nr00004b10.1039/c8nr00004b ↗
10. Peng X, Wu K, Hu Y et al (2018) A mechanically strong and sensitive CNT/rGO-CNF carbon aerogel for piezoresistive sensors. J Mater Chem A 6:23550–23559. https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TA09322A10.1039/C8TA09322A ↗
11. Zhao X, Xu L, Chen Q et al (2019) Highly conductive multifunctional rGO/CNT hybrid sponge for electromagnetic wave shielding and strain sensor. Adv Mater Technol 4:1900443–1900451. https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.20190044310.1002/admt.201900443 ↗
12. Ligon SC, Liska R, Stampfl J et al (2017) Polymers for 3D Printing and Customized Additive Manufacturing. Chem Rev 117:10212–10290. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b0007410.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00074 ↗
13. Kim DW, Lim JH, Yu J (2019) Efficient prediction of the electrical conductivity and percolation threshold of nanocomposite containing spherical particles with three-dimensional random representative volume elements by random filler removal. Compos Part B Eng 168:387–397. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.03.03810.1016/j.compositesb.2019.03.038 ↗
14. Xiang D, Zhang X, Li Y et al (2019) Enhanced performance of 3D printed highly elastic strain sensors of carbon nanotube/thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites via non-covalent interactions. Compos Part B Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.10725010.1016/j.compositesb.2019.107250 ↗
15. Mu Q, Wang L, Dunn CK et al (2017) Digital light processing 3D printing of conductive complex structures. Addit Manuf 18:74–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addma.2017.08.01110.1016/j.addma.2017.08.011 ↗
16. Li Z, Wang Z, Gan X et al (2017) Selective Laser Sintering 3D Printing: a Way to Construct 3D Electrically Conductive Segregated Network in Polymer Matrix. Macromol Mater Eng 302:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1002/mame.20170021110.1002/mame.201700211 ↗
17. Odent J, Wallin TJ, Pan W et al (2017) Highly Elastic, Transparent, and Conductive 3D-Printed Ionic Composite Hydrogels. Adv Funct Mater 27:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.20170180710.1002/adfm.201701807 ↗
18. Christ JF, Aliheidari N, Ameli A, Pötschke P (2017) 3D printed highly elastic strain sensors of multiwalled carbon nanotube/thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites. Mater Des 131:394–401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2017.06.01110.1016/j.matdes.2017.06.011 ↗
19. Huang P, Xia Z, Cui S (2018) 3D printing of carbon fiber-filled conductive silicon rubber. Mater Des 142:11–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2017.12.05110.1016/j.matdes.2017.12.051 ↗
20. Xiang D, Zhang X, Harkin-Jones E et al (2020) Synergistic effects of hybrid conductive nanofillers on the performance of 3D printed highly elastic strain sensors. Compos Part A Appl Sci Manuf 129:105730–105742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2019.10573010.1016/j.compositesa.2019.105730 ↗
21. Deng H, Lin L, Ji M et al (2014) Progress on the morphological control of conductive network in conductive polymer composites and the use as electroactive multifunctional materials. Prog Polym Sci 39:627–655. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2013.07.00710.1016/j.progpolymsci.2013.07.007 ↗
22. Xiang D, Wang L, Tang Y et al (2018) Damage self-sensing behavior of carbon nanofiller reinforced polymer composites with different conductive network structures. Polymer 158:308–319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2018.11.00710.1016/j.polymer.2018.11.007 ↗
23. Li Y, Zhou B, Zheng G et al (2018) Continuously prepared highly conductive and stretchable SWNT/MWNT synergistically composited electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane yarns for wearable sensing. J Mater Chem C 6:2258–2269. https://doi.org/10.1039/c7tc04959e10.1039/c7tc04959e ↗
24. Zhao H, Bai J (2015) Highly sensitive piezo-resistive graphite nanoplatelet-carbon nanotube hybrids/polydimethylsilicone composites with improved conductive network construction. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 7:9652–9659. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.5b0141310.1021/acsami.5b01413 ↗
25. Lachhab A, Robin E, Le Cam JB et al (2017) Thermomechanical analysis of polymeric foams subjected to cyclic loading: anelasticity, self-heating and strain-induced crystallization. Polymer 126:19–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2017.08.01010.1016/j.polymer.2017.08.010 ↗
26. Reulier M, Matadi Boumbimba R, Walsh Korb Z, Vaudemont R, Avérous L (2017) Thermomechanical and cyclic behavior of biocomposites based on renewable thermoplastics from dimer fatty acids. J Appl Polym Sci 134:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.4461010.1002/app.44610 ↗
27. Roh E, Hwang BU, Kim D et al (2015) Stretchable, transparent, ultrasensitive, and patchable strain sensor for human-machine interfaces comprising a nanohybrid of carbon nanotubes and conductive elastomers. ACS Nano 9:6252–6261. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.5b0161310.1021/acsnano.5b01613 ↗
28. Wang L, Xiang D, Harkin-jones E et al (2019) A flexible and multipurpose piezoresistive strain sensor based on carbonized phenol formaldehyde foam for human motion monitoring. Macromolecul Mater Eng 2019(1900492):1–9. https://doi.org/10.1002/mame.20190049210.1002/mame.201900492 ↗
29. Chen Q, Xiang D, Wang L et al (2018) Facile fabrication and performance of robust polymer/carbon nanotube coated spandex fibers for strain sensing. Compos Part A Appl Sci Manuf 112:186–196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2018.06.00910.1016/j.compositesa.2018.06.009 ↗
30. Liao X, Liao Q, Yan X et al (2015) Flexible and highly sensitive strain sensors fabricated by pencil drawn for wearable monitor. Adv Funct Mater 25:2395–2401. https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.20150009410.1002/adfm.201500094 ↗
31. Zeng Z, Seyed Shahabadi SI, Che B et al (2017) Highly stretchable, sensitive strain sensors with a wide linear sensing region based on compressed anisotropic graphene foam/polymer nanocomposites. Nanoscale 9:17396–17404. https://doi.org/10.1039/c7nr05106a10.1039/c7nr05106a ↗
32. Amjadi M, Yoon YJ, Park I (2015) Ultra-stretchable and skin-mountable strain sensors using carbon nanotubes-Ecoflex nanocomposites. Nanotechnology 26:375501. https://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/26/37/37550110.1088/0957-4484/26/37/375501 ↗
33. Liang B, Lin Z, Chen W et al (2018) Ultra-stretchable and highly sensitive strain sensor based on gradient structure carbon nanotubes. Nanoscale 10:13599–13606. https://doi.org/10.1039/c8nr02528b10.1039/c8nr02528b ↗
34. Lin Y, Liu S, Chen S, Wei Y et al (2016) A highly stretchable and sensitive strain sensor based on graphene-elastomer composites with a novel double-interconnected network. J Mater Chem C 4:6345–6352. https://doi.org/10.1039/c6tc01925k10.1039/c6tc01925k ↗
35. Zhong W, Liu C, Xiang C et al (2017) Continuously producible ultrasensitive wearable strain sensor assembled with three-dimensional interpenetrating Ag nanowires/polyolefin elastomer nanofibrous composite yarn. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 9:42058–42066. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.7b1143110.1021/acsami.7b11431 ↗
36. He Z, Zhou G, Byun JH et al (2019) Highly stretchable multi-walled carbon nanotube/thermoplastic polyurethane composite fibers for ultrasensitive, wearable strain sensors. Nanoscale 11:5884–5890. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR01005J10.1039/C9NR01005J ↗
37. Chen S, Wu R, Li P et al (2018) Acid-interface engineering of carbon nanotube/elastomers with enhanced sensitivity for stretchable strain sensors. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 10:37760–37766. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.8b1659110.1021/acsami.8b16591 ↗
38. Zhou X, Zhu L, Fan L et al (2018) Fabrication of highly stretchable, washable, wearable, water-repellent strain sensors with multi-stimuli sensing ability. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 10:31655–31663. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.8b1176610.1021/acsami.8b11766 ↗
39. Lozano-Pérez C, Cauich-Rodríguez JV, Avilés F (2016) Influence of rigid segment and carbon nanotube concentration on the cyclic piezoresistive and hysteretic behavior of multiwall carbon nanotube/segmented polyurethane composites. Compos Sci Technol 128:25–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2016.03.01010.1016/j.compscitech.2016.03.010 ↗
40. Lin L, Liu S, Zhang Q et al (2013) Towards tunable sensitivity of electrical property to strain for conductive polymer composites based on thermoplastic elastomer. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 5:5815–5824. https://doi.org/10.1021/am401402x10.1021/am401402x ↗