Design and development of a piezo-resistive sensor based on PEDOT: PSS applied to Sisal's natural fiber for monitoring of 3D warp Interlock fabric

Abstract

The aim of the current study is to develop and optimize a flexible sensor based on a natural sisal fiber. Based on this sensor yarn, different fibrous reinforcements of 3D warp interlock fabrics used in composite materials could be monitored. This natural yarn (Sisal) has been pre-coated with a layer of PVA solution which makes it possible to homogenize the surface of the yarn and serves as a substrate for the coating phase. A copper metal wire was used as a connecting device to the measurement acquisition system. Some Conductive Polymers Composite (CPC) based on PEDOT: PSS are compared and used as a coating layer in order to get the conductive appearance of the sensor yarn. A sensor calibration step was carried out which consists in testing the sensor yarn on a MTS traction bench while measuring their resistance variation simultaneously. The electromechanical behavior of the different types of sensors will be compared and discussed. Insertion of these developed sensors within 3D woven structures will be helpful for local monitoring and check the inner local elongation of the 3D warp interlock fabric during tensile tests.