Pressure-sensitive polymer nanocomposites: Carbon nanofiber-reinforced MWCNT-coated PMMA microbeads

Abstract

A unique, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based, pressure-sensitive nanocomposites were prepared by the solution mixing method. Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microbeads (10 mu m) were coated with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and dispersed in TPU matrix dissolved in tetrahydrofuran. 1, 2, and 5 wt. % of carbon nanofiber (CNF) were also added to the TPU matrix. The influence of MWCNT coated PMMA-microbeads along with different CNF contents on the pressure sensing properties were studied. Electrical and thermal conductivities were measured at different external loads. The prepared nanocomposites showed repeatable and reliable electric response with increasing external load and are suitable as pressure sensors.