Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube-Coated Poly-Methyl Methacrylate Dispersed Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composites for Pressure-Sensitive Applications

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a widely used polymer for a variety of pressure sensing applications because of its softness and shape memory. This work reports the synthesis of novel TPU-based three-dimensional structured (3D) pressure-sensitive composites via the melt mixing method. Poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA) microbeads of different sizes (5, 10, and 20 mu m) were first coated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and then incorporated into the TPU matrix for achieving an early electro conductive percolation threshold compared to without PMMA beads. The addition of MWCNT coated PMMA beads reduced the TPU insulated areas by creating a 3D conductive network that finally reflected the early percolation threshold during external pressure. Raman microscopy and XRD results confirmed the MWCNT coated nicely on the surface of PMMA beads. The pressure sensitivity results also confirmed the decrease in resistance of the composites with the increase in the applied external pressure. Composites with 10 mu m PMMA bead size showed the most linear responses to the decrease in resistance with increasing pressure and showed a higher strain gauge factor value (3.15) as compared to other composites, which had values of 2.78 and 2.42 for 20 and 5 mu m, respectively. Microstructure analysis of the composites by SEM, capacitance, permeability, and thermal conductivity measurements was also investigated to support the above evidence. The results support the suitability of this novel composite as a potential candidate for pressure sensing applications.