Characterization and optimization of flexible dual mode sensor based on Carbon Micro Coils

• Published in: Materials research express Vol. 5; no. 1; pp. 15604 - 15619
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Tien Dat, Kim, Taeseung, Han, Hyoseung, Shin, Hyun Yeong, Nguyen, Canh Toan, Phung, Hoa, Choi, Hyouk Ryeol
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: IOP Publishing 01.01.2018
• Subjects: carbon microcoils; dual mode sensor; flexible proximity sensor; flexible tactile sensor
• ISSN: 2053-1591; 2053-1591
• DOI: 10.1088/2053-1591/aaa503

Carbon Microcoils (CMCs) is a 3D helical micro structure grown via a chemical vapor deposition process. It is noted that composites in which CMCs are embedded in polymer matrixes, called CMC sheets, experience a drastic change of electrical impedance depending on the proximity and contact of external objects. In this paper, a dual functional sensor, that is, tactile and proximity sensor fabricated with CMC/silicone composite is presented to demonstrate the advanced characteristics of CMCs sheets. Characteristics of sensor responses depending on CMC compositions are investigated and optimal conditions are determined. The candidates of polymer matrices are also investigated. As the results, the CMC sheet consisting of Ecoflex 30, CMC 30 wt % , and multiwall carbon nanotubes 1 wt % shows the most appropriate tactile sensing characteristics with more than 1 mm of thickness. The proximity sensing capability is the maximum when the 1.5 wt % CMC content is mixed with Dragon skin 30 silicone substrate. Finally, multiple target objects are recognized with the results and their feasibilities are experimentally validated.