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Enhanced piezoresistance repeatability of carbon nanotube/silicane composites achieved using radiation-induced graft polymerization

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Abstract

A novel and effective technique was devised for the synthesis of electrically conductive, rubber-based MWCNT (multiwall carbon nanotube) composites, using radiation-induced graft polymerization. The chemical structure and morphology of the grafted MWCNTs were investigated using micro-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The tetravinyl tetramethyl cyelo tetrasiloxane-modified MWNTs were mixed with poly (vinylmethylsiloxane) (PVMS). After vulcanization, the nanotubes were cross-linked with a polymer matrix. The resistance was measured with respect to the deformation response of these nanocomposites, and it was found that the piezoresistance repeatability was enhanced under multiple compressive tests. The contents of the composites were optimized to provide either a larger stress-sensitive range, or improved piezoresistance repeatability. The electromechanical response of the grafted nanocomposite matrices was measured under the application of a mechanical load. It was found that the nanocomposites exhibited distinct relative resistance versus stress behavior in the elastic deformation regime; these results were in good agreement with accepted theories about charge carrier transport mechanisms in isolator/conductor composites.

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Acknowledgments

This work is supported by Natural Science Foundation of China under grant No.10774022, and Jiansu Provincial Social Development Program under grant No. BE2009665.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China

    Xiaoxiang Zhang

  2. Display Research Center, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China

    Khan Qasim & Songtao Hu

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  1. Xiaoxiang Zhang
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  2. Khan Qasim
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  3. Songtao Hu
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Correspondence to Xiaoxiang Zhang.

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Zhang, X., Qasim, K. & Hu, S. Enhanced piezoresistance repeatability of carbon nanotube/silicane composites achieved using radiation-induced graft polymerization. J Polym Res 21, 479 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-014-0479-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-014-0479-3

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