Graphene/PVDF Nanocomposite-Based Accelerometer for Detection of Low Vibrations

Abstract

A flexible piezoresistive sensor was developed as an accelerometer based on Graphene/PVDF nanocomposite to detect low-frequency and low amplitude vibration of industrial machines, which may be caused due to misalignment, looseness of fasteners, or eccentric rotation. The sensor was structured as a cantilever beam with the proof mass at the free end. The vibration caused the proof mass to accelerate up and down, which was converted into an electrical signal. The output was recorded as the change in resistance (response percentage) with respect to the acceleration. It was found that this accelerometer has a capability of detecting acceleration up to 8 gpk-pk in the frequency range of 20 Hz to 80 Hz. The developed accelerometer has the potential to represent an alternative to the existing accelerometers due to its compactness, simplicity, and higher sensitivity for low frequency and low amplitude applications.

Effect of Annealing on Graphene/PVDF Nanocomposites

“…13 Also, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is an electroactive polymer, and it can be used in many stretchable devices such as pressure sensors, acoustic devices, and accelerometers. 14 The graphene synthesis process is quite diverse, mainly based upon a top-down or bottom-up approach. 15 The topdown approach is more straightforward because of easily accessible raw materials and easy processing conditions.…”

“…The present work aims at the investigation of the effect of thermal annealing on the electrical properties of graphene/polyvinylidene fluoride (Gr/PVDF) nanocomposites. This composite was used to fabricate flexible piezoresistive pressure sensors with excellent sensitivity. , However, we did not optimize the electrical properties in the development of the sensor. In this investigation, the post-annealing process was conducted at different temperatures in the range of 100–300 °C.…”

“…Another candidate for nanocomposite fillers is the carbon nanotubes, which have extremely high production cost and relatively low conductivity. , For example, multiwalled carbon nanotube composites have been successfully used for the applications in energy harvesting and motion sensor applications . Also, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is an electroactive polymer, and it can be used in many stretchable devices such as pressure sensors, acoustic devices, and accelerometers …”

“… 13 Also, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is an electroactive polymer, and it can be used in many stretchable devices such as pressure sensors, acoustic devices, and accelerometers. 14 …”

“…This composite was used to fabricate flexible piezoresistive pressure sensors with excellent sensitivity. 14 , 33 However, we did not optimize the electrical properties in the development of the sensor. In this investigation, the post-annealing process was conducted at different temperatures in the range of 100–300 °C.…”