On estimation of the prospective application of carbon filled composites as pressure sensors.

This paper studies the potential of using carbon black filled polymers as pressure sensors. Changes of their properties under compressive load are investigated. It is found out that the dependence of volume electrical resistance of materials on applied pressure is linear if the applied pressure is less than three atmospheres. Stronger pressure brings nonlinearity and more distinct changes of volume electrical resistance. The sensitivity of composites to applied compressive load can be controlled by adjusting the carbon black filler concentration. It is revealed that changes of volume electrical resistance values under compressive load can be both monotonous and non-monotonous. For the monotonous case, volume electrical resistance changes nonlinearly along with the increase of pressure. The difference of electrically conductive constituent concentration has a weaker influence on changes of volume electrical resistance under compressive load than on resistance variation in a sample set of same-type materials. Rubber matrix type has a greater influence on the changes of volume electrical values than the carbon black filler type. Recommendations on the selection of components for resistive composite polymers are elaborated using the results of the conducted research. The recommendations can help to produce pressure sensors with required volume electrical resistance values along with minimal variation in a set of same-type equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]