Abstract
Fabrication of miniature and macro elastic sensors from dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in room temperature vulcanization (RTV) silicone rubber (SR) is described. The nanocomposite sensor displays a very low percolation threshold of 3 wt.% (i.e. 2.16 vol%) of MWCNT in SR. The nanocomposite samples are characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to show the formation of three-dimensional conductive networks of the MWCNTs within the SR matrix. Characterization and fabrication procedures of four SR/MWCNT sensors with different electrode configurations are shown. An impact resistance model is developed to describe the SR/MWCNT sensor response subjected to impact force range (0.030 to 45 N). The analysis of the impact model shows a good agreement with the experimental data. The effect of sensor initial resistance on its sensitivity and force range is also shown. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier B.V.