Strain-Sensing Application of Natural Rubber Composites Reinforced With Different Carbon Nano-Fillers

Carbon nano-fillers including carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers reinforced natural rubber/carbon black composites were fabricated through a dissolution-mixing approach. The as-prepared natural rubber composites were utilized for strain-sensing application through monitoring the dynamic relationship between the electrical conductivity and the room temperature mechanical properties such as elongation / compression stress. Specifically, a real time correlation has been demonstrated through simultaneously recording the changes of electrical conductivity and stress upon repeated elongation / compression cycles. The morphology of different carbon nanofillers in the natural rubber matrix was studied by scanning electron microscopy, and thermal properties were investigated through thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Both two fillers were observed to increase the electrical conductivity, storage and loss modulus of their reinforced natural rubber/carbon black composites. Significant difference in the electrical conductivity - strain sensing performance through using different carbon nanofillers was observed and the mechanism was also discussed.