Finite Element Modelling and Computational Analysis of Mechanical Properties of Carbon Composite-Based Love Wave Sensor

Structured materials are of interest to emphasize the sensitivity of gas or bio-sensors. This work focuses on carbon-polymer composite (PEDOT:PSS-MWCNT) and additional multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), deposited by inkjet printing on Love acoustic wave devices. This combination is studied, both with simulation based on finite element modelling and computational analysis of a reduced model, and experimental measurements. This allows for an estimation of the Young modulus of each material: 70 GPa and 150 GPa for the PEDOT:PSS-MWCNT bilayer composite material ( ≡ 450nm) and for the MWCNT bilayer on carbon composite ( ≅ 140nm), respectively. The value is lower than that obtained in the literature, which has been attributed to the material porosity. An enhanced waveguiding effect is observed, which is interesting for further detection applications.