Nanostructure/Strain-resistance in Nanolaminates Containing Carbon Nanofibers and Carbon Nanotubes

摘要

A range of nanostructured strain gages are constructed using an improved method of manufacturing nanocomposites. The manufacturing method is called Spin-Spray Layer by Layer self assembly (SSLBL). SSLbL is a variation of Layer by Layer Self Assembly (LbL), which is a water-based process capable of forming and stack nanometer thick layers, or 'nanolaminates,' of either nanoparticles or polymers simply, quickly, and inexpensively. This research utilizes the abilities of SSLbL to develop several different nanocomposites containing carbon nanofibers (CNF), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), or single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) to investigate how different nanostructures affect the strain-resistance response with the eventual goal of advanced strain gages. Discussion of the additional effects inherent in the strain-resistance properties of two-dimensional films compared to standard one-dimensional strain gages is presented. The experimental data from several different nanostructures with their resulting strain-resistance behavior is also presented. The highest strain gage sensitivity is found to be a film with a gage factor of 13 (zero strain) to 1560 (4% strain). Standard strain gages currently have sensitivities of about 2.0. Utilizing the experimental information, further optimization is suggested.