2016 (3) 2

https://doi.org/10.15407/polymerj.38.03.192

Piezoresistive sensor composites with oriented 1D structure of conducive filler

V.V. Levchenko, Ye.P. Mamunya, Yu.A. Klymenko, V.A. Yatsenko, I.M. Parashchenko, E.V. Lebedev

Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry NAS of Ukraine

48, Kharkivske shose, Kyiv, 02160, Ukraine

Institute of Space Research NAS of Ukraine and National Space Agency of Ukraine

40, b. 4/1, Academician Glushkov av., Kyiv, 03680, Ukraine

Polym. J., 2016, 38, no. 3: 192-204.

Section: Structure and properties.

Language: Ukrainian.

Abstract:

The composites based on thermosetting resin (silicone) filled with microsize, nanosize Ni powders, graphite and their combination were investigated. The result of the treatment of the composites in a magnetic field was the formation of anisotropic 1D structures of nickel particles in a polymer matrix. Percolation threshold for 1D structure appears at 2 % vol. of Ni particles while the composites with 3D random distribution of filler do not achieve the conductivity even at 35 % vol. of Ni particles. Composites with 1D filler structure can be used as sensor materials, because they have high level of conductivity at low Ni content and elongated ordered structure of filler that is able to be deformed under external forces changing their resistance. The cyclic dependences of strain and current on the applied stress for composites filled with different types of fillers and their combinations were investigated. The small values of cyclic stresses (the values for different composites were in the interval 0,003-0,060 MPa) were applied to the composites, while the deformation and electrical current were measured along the loading cycles. Composite filled with a combination of microsized and nanosized nickel fillers (mNi+nNi) and treated in a magnetic field (with magnetic induction 0,5 T) remained the sustained values of current response during all steps of the loading stress cycles compared to composites with individual filler and mixture with graphite. When mixed, the nanoparticles distributed among the microparticles thus prevented their sticking to each other during the deformation of the sample and thus stabilized the system. As a result of such connection the interaction of both types of nickel particles occurs and formation of joint conductive structure is achieved which is more capable to the elastic reversible deformation than in case of micronickel (mNi) only. The use of individual nanonickel (nNi) gives nonconductive composites. Due to mNi+nNi combination the effect of synergism becomes evident in the enhancement of electromechanical properties of composites. Adding of graphite filler to micronickel or combined filler mNi+nNi worsens the properties of composites. Obviously graphite blocks the interaction of mNi and nNi particles and prevents creation of the stable conductive structure. It is evidence that such factors as contact phenomena and spatial distribution of particles in polymer matrix should be taken into account in a process of the conductive structure formation. Such a conductive filler as graphite but not to be oriented in magnetic field does not provide enhancement of conductive and elastic properties of conductive phase. Thus the composites based on combination mNi+nNi possesses the stable electrical response on action of external stresses and can be used as material for electromechanical sensors which are sensitive to small values of stresses.

Key words: one-dimensional structure, conductivity, deformation, electromechanical sensors.

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