A Comparison of Polymer Composites for Development of Flexible Sensor Array
摘要
Polymer composites could become piezoresistive by adding proper conductive fillers into the matrix. Three different kinds of conductive fillers, graphite powders, carbon black and carbon nano-fibers mixed with copper powders, mixed with polydimethlysiloxane (PDMS) were investigated for the purpose of developing flexible sensor arrays. These composites were characterized and compared for temperature and tactile sensation, respectively. The graphite powders are suitable fillers in PDMS for fabricating temperature sensor array with high sensitivity. Carbon nanofibers mixed with copper powders are suitable fillers for fabricating pressure/tactile sensor array with low signal noises. Based on these polymer composites, a simple fabrication process of flexible sensing array by utilizing automatic dispensing system and flexible printed circuit was proposed and demonstrated. Using this method, temperature and tactile sensor arrays can be easily integrated on a flexible substrate.