Piezoresistive behaviour of graphene nanoplatelet (GNP)/PMMA spray coated sensors on a polymer matrix composite beam

Abstract

Graphene nanoplatelet (GNP)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposite solution was spray coated on a glass fibre reinforced polymer composite (GFRP) beam with different initial electrical resistance (R 0 ). Scotch tape erosion method was used to tailor the R 0 of the sensors. Beams and the sensors were characterized by computed tomography (CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. The piezoresistive behaviour of these sensors was evaluated in monotonic, step and cyclic loading conditions. These spray coated sensors offered good sensitivity (38.5 times) as compared to a strain gauge. A gauge factor (GF) of 55±0.5, 70±2, and 77±1 was obtained for R 0 of 1, 7 and 21 kΩ GNP layers, respectively. Sensors showed good response and stability under the step and cyclic loading conditions. The ease in the process of application coupled with good sensitivity demonstrates that the GNP/PMMA spray coated sensor can be a potential candidate for the futuristic multi-functional materials for structural health monitoring.

Investigation of the elastic properties of poly (methyl methacrylate) reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets

“…It is noted that the physical performance relates to the structural characteristics of PMMA and its performance can be changed with the formation of PMMA/Colemanite composite. 11,[43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53] Investigations of the matrix base PMMA used in this…”

“…GNPs at a concentration of 2 wt% have emerged as a promising nanofiller for PMMA based nanocomposites due to their remarkable mechanical properties, and optimal production parameters have been established by the application of NDT. It is noted that the physical performance relates to the structural characteristics of PMMA and its performance can be changed with the formation of PMMA/Colemanite composite 11,43–53 . Investigations of the matrix base PMMA used in this research have been carried out in space research at the International Space Station 11,50,51 .…”

Emerging trends in poly(methyl methacrylate) containing carbonaceous reinforcements—Carbon nanotube, carbon black, and carbon fiber

“…Including nanoparticles in PMMA has led to several commercial applications including photovoltaic devices, electronic printing, sensors, diodes, bone cement, and other biomedical materials. [9][10][11][12] This article highpoints fundamentals and characteristics of some important PMMA-based materials with carbonaceous fillers such as PMMA/carbon nanotube (CNT), PMMA/carbon black (CB), and PMMA/carbon fiber (CF). Recent applications of PMMA-based nanocomposite are in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, gas sensors, separation membranes, tissue engineering, and drug delivery.…”

Fabrication of multifunctional polymethyl methacrylate composites based on phosphorus‐containing polyaniline with excellent flame retardancy and electrical conductivity

“…Therefore, endowing excellent flame retardancy and electrical conductivity to polymer matrix is imperative. As mentioned previously, 12 introducing electrically conductive fillers, such as carbon nanotubes, 12‐14 graphene, 15‐18 carbon black 19 , and metallic powders 20‐23 , into polymer is an effective approach to enhance its electrical conductivity by providing electrically conductive paths for the free transfer of electrons. However, the interface between the electrically conductive fillers and polymer serves as a barrier to the movement of electrons from the matrix to the electrically conductive fillers.…”