In this paper an analysis of the responses of surface acoustic wave (SAW)
sensors coated with polymer films is described. Complex bulk and shear moduli are
utilized to represent viscoelastic properties of the polymer. Compared with the
experimental results, the calculated results strongly suggest that the real
part of the shear modulus mostly influences the velocity shift and attenuation
change in the sensor responses. In addition, using the real parts of the shear
modulus, the polymer films can be classified into three types: glassy films,
glassy-rubbery films and rubbery films. Simulations of gas sorption for
polymer films are performed. For glassy films, the SAW sensor response increases
with increasing film thickness, whereas for glassy-rubbery and rubbery films,
the relationship between the sensor sensitivity and film thickness is more
complicated. Therefore, an optimization of the properties and thickness of
films and the operating frequency is required for designing SAW gas sensors
with polymer coatings.
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