Flexible longitudinal and transversal displacement sensors based on a composite of CI Disperse Orange 25 and carbon nanotubes

摘要

Abstract This paper presents the proposal and characterisation of a flexible, shockproof, vibration‐free, longitudinal and transversal compressive displacement sensor based on a composite of CI Disperse Orange 25 and carbon nanotubes created with an energy‐free, drop‐casting technique. The structural morphology of each layer is studied briefly through X‐ray diffraction. Electric investigations of the sensors in the form of impedance were performed as a function of longitudinal and transversal compressive displacement at three different frequencies. The compressive displacements were measured from 0 to 250 µm at three fixed frequencies (ie, 1, 10 and 200 kHz). The impedance has an inverse relationship with longitudinal compressive displacement but a direct relationship with transversal compressive displacement. The frequency to impedance relationship is inverse with the sensitivity of the impedance as a function of longitudinal displacement. Because of their small size, light weight and simple fabrication technique and design, as well as their low cost and maintenance, these types of devices can be utilised across a wide range of medical applications, such as in rehabilitation centres, for machine status assessment during physiotherapy, and in robotic body parts, as well as for educational purposes in universities.