Influence of Carbon nanotubes (CNT) Functionalization on CNT/PDMS Nanocomposite Pressure Sensor

The functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNT) with different functional groups influences its colloidal behavior in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and enhances the interfacial interaction between the CNTs and PDMS. This paper addresses the investigation of the effect of CNT functionalization on pressure sensing behaviour of CNT-PDMS nanocomposites. Four different CNT-PDMS nanocomposites based on raw CNTs, carboxylated CNTs, hydroxylated CNTs and amine functionalized CNTs were prepared using a solution mixing process and the nanocomposite thin films were prepared by mold casting. Raman characterization was carried out to investigate the morphology of the nanocomposite pressure films as well as distribution of CNTs in PDMS. The pressure sensing response was investigated for repetitive pressure cycles.