Dielectric and Electrical Properties of WS₂ Nanotubes/Epoxy Composites and Their Use for Stress Monitoring of Structures

Abstract

The dielectric and electrical characteristics of the semiconductive WS 2 nanotubes/epoxy composites were studied as a function of the nanotubes concentration and the pressure applied during their molding. In addition, the ability of WS 2 nanotubes to serve as stress sensors in epoxy based nanocomposites, for health-monitoring applications, was studied. The nanocomposite elements were loaded in three-point bending configuration. The direct current was monitored simultaneously with stress-strain measurements. It was found that, in nanocomposites, above the percolation concentrations of the nanotubes, the electrical conductivity increases considerably with the applied load and hence WS 2 nanotubes can be potentially used as sensors for health monitoring of structural components.