Issue 15, 2013

Stretchable conductive polyurethane elastomer in situ polymerized with multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

The development of the wearable sensors for healthcare related applications requires mechanically stretchable, electrically conductive and biologically compatible elastomers. We have fabricated a conductive polyurethane (PU) elastomer by in situ polymerization with surface hydroxyl-modified Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNTs). The FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy results indicated that the successful incorporation of the MWNTs into PU macromolecules. The good dispersion of MWNTs in PU/MWNT elastomers was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) suggested improved thermal stability of the in situ polymerized PU/MWNT elastomers. The in situ polymerization with MWNTs led to a significant increase in the conductivity of PU/MWNT elastomers. The stretching facilitated the orientation of the MWNTs and further enhanced the conductivity of PU/MWNT elastomers. The in situ polymerized PU/MWNT elastomers were employed as electrodes to construct a pressure sensor demonstrating good sensitivity and consistency.

Graphical abstract: Stretchable conductive polyurethane elastomer in situ polymerized with multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
20 Jan 2013
Accepted
25 Feb 2013
First published
25 Feb 2013

J. Mater. Chem. C, 2013,1, 2744-2749

Stretchable conductive polyurethane elastomer in situ polymerized with multi-walled carbon nanotubes

D. Wang, H. Li, M. Li, H. Jiang, M. Xia and Z. Zhou, J. Mater. Chem. C, 2013, 1, 2744 DOI: 10.1039/C3TC30126E

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