Self-sensing and actuation of CNF and Ni nanowire/polymer composites using electro-micromechanical test

Abstract

Self-sensing and actuation were investigated for CNF and Ni nanowire/epoxy and silicone composites. Electro-micromechanical techniques can be used for self sensing for loading, temperature. CNF/epoxy composites with smaller aspect ratio showed higher apparent modulus due to high volume content in case of shorter aspect ratio. Apparent modulus and electrical resistivity change were evaluated as functions of different carbon fiber types. Interfacial properties of CNF/epoxy with different aspect ratios were obtained indirectly. Using Ni nanowire/silicone composites with different content, load sensing response of electrical contact resistivity was investigated under tensile and compression condition. The mechanical properties of Ni nanowire with different type and content/epoxy composites were indirectly measured apparent modulus using uniformed cyclic loading and electro-pullout test. Ni nanowire /epoxy composites showed temperature sensing within limited ranges, 20 vol% reinforcement. CNF-PVDF and Ni-silicone actuator were made successfully. Electrochemical actuator of CNF-PVDF was responded in electrolyte solution. Magnetic actuator of Ni nanowire-silicone composites was monitored under electro-magnetic field. CNF-Ni nanowire-silicone actuator having meaningful merits can be expected to be new smart structural materials at a various applications. Nanocomposites using CNF and Ni nanowire can be applicable practically for multi-functional applications nondestructively.

Sensing and Self-Sensing Actuation Methods for Ionic Polymer–Metal Composite (IPMC): A Review

“…Advantages of SSA methods include eliminating additional sensor weight, volume, integration and cost challenges [163,164,165,166,167]. SSA methods have been reported for a multitude of smart materials, such as piezoelectric cantilevers [168], -stacks [169] and -fibers [164], dielectric elastomers (DEA) [170], magnetorheological elastomers (MRE) [171], and carbon nanofibers (CNF) [172]. SSA methods for a wide scope of ionic electromechanically active polymers were reviewed in 2015 by Kruusamae et al [163].…”