Strain sensing capabilities of a piezoresistive MWCNT-polysulfone film

This work reports the electrical and piezoresistive responses of thin polymer films made of polysulfone (PSF) modified with 0.05-1% w/w multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). MWCNT/PSF films are fabricated by solution casting and their electric and piezoresistive responses are evaluated. Gage factors are measured for films with 0.2-1% carbon nanotube weight loadings. The films are then bonded to macroscopic aluminum specimens and evaluated as strain sensing elements during quasi-static and cycling tensile loading. Excellent piezoresistive capabilities are found for films with MWCNT loadings as low as 0.5% w/w, which renders them functionality as strain gages. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.