Pressure Sensors Based on Polyvinyl Chloride/Graphite/Nickel Nanocomposites

Abstract

The composites based on polyvinyl chloride polymer matrix filled with foliated graphite/nickel nanoparticles with remarkable and reliable pressure sensitivity was successfully fabricated. The microstructure of the nanocomposites was characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy. The effect of graphite/nickel content on the thermal stability of polyvinyl chloride/graphite/nickel nanocomposites was studied via thermal gravimetric analysis. Thermal conductivity and glass transition temperature were evaluated as a function of graphite/nickel content also. The resistivity dependence on applied pressure was tested. It was found that the polyvinyl chloride/graphite/nickel nanocomposites display a high sensitivity to pressure with good repeatability. The nanocomposites obtained may be used as pressure sensors.