Effects of carboxyl radical on electrical resistance of multi-walled carbon nanotube filled silicone rubber composite under pressure

The piezoresistance of a multi-walled carbon nanotube filled silicone rubber composite under uniaxial pressure was studied. The experimental results show that the active carboxyl radical on multi-walled carbon nanotubes can effectively improve the homogeneous distribution and alignment of conductive paths in the composite. As a result, the composite presented positive piezoresistance with improved sensitivity and sensing linearity for pressure, both of which are key parameters for sensor applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.