Abstract:
This work aimed to improve the pressure response range, stability, durability and repeatability of flexible pressure sensor and reduce the influence of temperature change on its resistance. Three kinds of nanocomposites with 3 wt% nanoparticle including multi-walled carbon nanotubes/graphene/poly(ethylene-
co-octene) (MWCNTs/GNP/POE; 2.25/0.75/97), MWCNTs/POE and GNP/POE were prepared by using melt mixing. It was demonstrated that the hybrid MWCNTs/GNP can significantly reduce the influence of temperature on the resistance of the nanocomposite and effectively improve its piezoresistive response. MWCNTs/GNP/POE sensing substrates with microcolumn and inverted micropyramid arrays were prepared by using compression molding, and both sensing substrates were assembled into an interlocked pressure sensor face to face. The interlocked sensor exhibits high stability, durability and repeatability. Specifically, the sensitivity in low pressure region is reduced by only 6.6% after 10 000 successive compression/release cycle test; a stable piezoresistive response with a sensitivity retention of higher than 95% can be maintained during 15 000 compression/release cycle testing. Moreover, the interlocked sensor exhibits a wider pressure response range (0~235 kPa), lower detection limit (~11 Pa), higher sensitivity and temperature insensitivity.