Piezoresistive sensing performance of multifunctional MWCNT/HDPE auxetic structures enabled by additive manufacturing

AlMahri, S., Schneider, J. , Schiffer, A. and Kumar, S. (2022) Piezoresistive sensing performance of multifunctional MWCNT/HDPE auxetic structures enabled by additive manufacturing. Polymer Testing, 114, 107687. (doi: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2022.107687)

[img] Text
274443.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

3MB

Abstract

Herein, we report the mechanical and piezoresistive sensing performance of 3D printed auxetic nanocomposite structures composed of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The multifunctional performance of MWCNT/HDPE auxetic structures were measured under tensile loading. The results indicate that by varying the MWCNT content, as well as the relative density and cell topology (S-shaped, Chiral and Re-entrant) of the structure, we can achieve a tunable piezoresistive response. The results indicate that the S-shaped cellular structure possesses superior mechanical and piezoresistive characteristics, reporting a gauge factor of 7.6 at 4 wt % MWCNT loading, which is ∼300% higher than those measured for the Re-entrant and Chiral structures. We also present an empirical scaling equation that relates the structure's sensitivity factor to its relative density. The findings of this study provide useful guidelines for the design and fabrication of self-sensing smart materials and structures with tunable sensitivity.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Schneider, Johannes and Kumar, Professor Shanmugam
Authors: AlMahri, S., Schneider, J., Schiffer, A., and Kumar, S.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering
College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:Polymer Testing
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0142-9418
ISSN (Online):1873-2348
Published Online:05 July 2022
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd.
First Published:First published in Polymer Testing 114: 107687
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
305200DTP 2018-19 University of GlasgowMary Beth KneafseyEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/R513222/1MVLS - Graduate School