A novel CNT-PDMS-based pressure and temperature sensor with resistivity retaining and recovering by using dielectrophoresis effect
Date Issued
2010
Date
2010
Author(s)
Chen, Yung-Ming
Abstract
In this work, we present novel resistive pressure and temperature sensors with reversible signal tracking capabilities. The sensing material was prepared by dispersing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and silver nano-particles through polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer with the assistance of the dielectrophoresis (DEP) technique. When the sensing element is pressed, a number of conductive CNT networks within the polymer are broken, thereby increasing the resistivity of the element. The polymer retains resistivity following the removal of the external force, and resistivity can be recovered to the original value using DEP to reform the conductive CNT networks. Similar resistivity behaviors induced by temperature elevation and DEP were also observed. This study demonstrates the performance and repeatability of the proposed sensing elements and investigates the characteristics of devices with various electrode gaps. We also fabricated flexible tactile sensor array and demonstrated image retaining and erasing capabilities. The potential applications of the sensor include reusable footstep tracking carpets, inertia switches, temperature switches, and other applications.
Subjects
Conductive polymer
pressure sensor
tactile sensor
dielectrophoresis
carbon nanotube
PDMS
Type
thesis
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