Flexible resistive tensile load cells based on MWCNT/rubber composites
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to fabricate and investigate sensing properties of a novel, flexible resistive tensile load cells based on multi-walled carbon nano-tubes (MWCNTs)/rubber composites. The use of carbon nanotubes makes it very attractive for being used as sensors.
Design/methodology/approach
On thin rubber substrate, MWCNTs powder was deposited and pressed at elevated temperature. Two types of samples were prepared: first sample was made by depositing MWCNTs suspension in water on the substrate, then the sample was dried at room temperature; the second sample was prepared by applying dry MWCNTs powder directly on the substrate.
Findings
The resistances of the cells made from wet MWCNT powder are much lower than those made with dry powder. It was found that the fabricated load cells were highly sensitive to the force and showed good repeatability. The resistance of the flexible resistive tensile MWCNTs/rubber composite load cells increased 1.37 times, on average, with the increasing force (up to 0.045 N). The sensitivity of the cells was equal to 142 N-1.
Practical implications
The device fabrication method used here provides a simple, less expensive and effective approach for preparing resistive tensile load cells.
Originality/value
A novel, flexible resistive tensile load cells using MWCNTs/rubber composites have been successfully fabricated and investigated. MWCNTs, in dry and wet form, have been deposited on thin rubber substrates by adopting a very simple and inexpensive technique.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology of Pakistan for supporting this work.
Citation
Karimov, K.S., Ahmed, N., Bashir, M.M., Aziz, F., Rizvi, M.Z., Khan, A., Tahir, M., Zaidi, N.A., Hafeez, M. and Bhatti, A.S. (2015), "Flexible resistive tensile load cells based on MWCNT/rubber composites", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 44 No. 3, pp. 187-191. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-06-2014-0047
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited