Polymer/nanographite composites for mechanical impact sensing

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to give a review of the polymer/nanographite composite (PNGC) materials specially developed for applications in mechanical strain and pressure sensors that can be used for design of flexible sensing systems. Our recent achievements in design, processing, and investigation of physical properties of elastomer and nanostructured carbon composites as prospective materials for mentioned sensors are also presented. In the beginning, theoretical principles of tunneling percolation theory and piezoresistivity have been described. We discuss the most suitable polymer matrices and electrically conductive nanographite fillers for sensitive PNGC. Preparation methods of mechanically sensitive PNGC have been considered. Different particularly produced and tested polymer/nanographite composites are overhauled and possible advantages and disadvantages of PNGC in different possible applications are analyzed.