Supersensitive linear piezoresistive property in carbon nanotubes∕silicone rubber nanocomposites

Abstract

High-elasticity carbon nanotube∕methylvinyl silicone rubber (CNT∕VMQ) nanocomposite with a markedly sensitive linear piezoresistive behavior is fabricated by dispersing conductive multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with different aspect ratios (AR=50 and 500) into rubber matrix homogeneously. We disclose that the percolation threshold of the nanocomposites with MWCNTs at AR=50 is abnormally lower than that at AR=500; extremely sensitive positive-pressure coefficient effect of the resistance and excellent cyclic compression under low pressure are also observed in the MWCNT∕VMQ nanocomposite with AR=50 MWCNTs at relatively low loading. These properties might originate from the special microstructure in the nanocomposites with AR=50 MWCNTs. The high-elasticity nanocomposite is very attracting for online compression stress monitoring in future engineering applications.