ZnO nanoparticles embedded in polyethylene-glycol (PEG) matrix as sensitive strain gauge elements
Source abstract
Abstract
In this work, we investigate the strain-sensing properties of nanocomposite material made from ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in polyethylene-glycol (PEG) by measuring three different electrical parameters: piezo-resistance, piezo-capacitance, and piezo-impedance. To understand the conduction mechanisms involved in such a material and optimize its performance, a systematic experimental study of DC and AC conductivity was performed using various concentrations of ZnO NPs in PEG. The size range of the NPs is 10–400 nm in diameter. Our results show that conductivity is reduced as the concentration of ZnO NPs increases that reveals the role of ion trapping by ZnO NPs. We then discuss possible mechanisms of high strain sensitivity observed which is attributed to stress influencing surface defects of ZnO NPs as characterized by Raman measurements. Finally, application of the nanocomposite films on low-cost accelerometers is tested and results demonstrated high sensitivity of piezo-resistance and of piezo-capacitance in the range of 0–1 g.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Gas Sensing Nanomaterials and Sensors · Analytical Chemistry and Sensors
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
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