Abstract
Carbon-based electrically conductive polymer composites have been considered as promising materials for piezoresistive pressure and strain sensors. The objective of this work is to investigate the behaviors of wood-derived biochar-filled polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composites as pressure sensors. Composites of polyvinyl alcohol and wood-derived biochar were prepared by a solution casting method. The research found that with elevated pressure from 0 to 358 kPa, the electrical resistance of PVA/biochar composite sensors with 8, 10, and 12 wt% biochar content (to 10% PVA solution by weight) gradually decreased by 92, 98, and 99%, respectively. Also, the effects of sensor thickness (0.40, 0.50, and 0.60 mm) and temperature (from −20 to 70 °C) were investigated. Results indicated that effect of thickness was most influential in the 8 wt% PVA/biochar sensors. Higher temperature (40–70 °C) enhanced the sensor voltage output, while lower temperature (−5 to −20 °C) reduced the piezoresistive effects.
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Acknowledgements
Appreciation is expressed to Dr. Jinxing Wang, professor of Wood Science and Technology, Director of Biomaterials and Wood Utilization Research Center, Davis College School of Natural Resources, WVU, to Dr. Edward Sabolsky, associate professor of Benjamin M. Statlercollege of Engineering and Mineral Resources, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, WVU, and to Dr. Xinfeng Xie, Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, WVU, for their technical assistance and the equipment provided.
Funding
This work was supported by the USDA/NIFA McIntire-Stennis Program (Grant No. WVA00116). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of USDA/NIFA.
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Nan, N., DeVallance, D.B. Development of poly(vinyl alcohol)/wood-derived biochar composites for use in pressure sensor applications. J Mater Sci 52, 8247–8257 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-017-1040-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-017-1040-7