T. Kumpika

Highly stretchable and sensitive strain sensors using nano-graphene coated natural rubber

ABSTRACT Flexible, stretchable and wearable sensors are needed for the human motion detection. Here, a highly stretchable and sensitive strain sensor is fabricated based on the coating of nano-graphene platelets on natural rubber by simple dry coating process. The gauge factors are adjustable in the ranges of 0.78–52.53 depended on the preparation conditions and strain state. The sensors showed a high stretchability up to 750% and high durability of 1500 stretching–releasing cycles. The stretchable strain sensors are capable of detecting a bending fingers and the pulse of radial artery on the wrist. In addition, a smart glove made form five independent strain sensors was created. The data of the glove finger motions are used to control an avatar robotic hand.

Development of Carbon Nanotube - Reinforced Silk and Cannabis Fibers by an Electrophoretic Deposition Method

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were deposited by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on Bombyx mori (silk) and Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa (hemp) fibers to improve their mechanical properties. The CNTs were functionalized in mixed acids in order to introduce carboxylic acid groups on their surfaces. The tensile strength and strain at break point of both the modified fibers were approximately two times higher than those of the virgin natural fibers. The addition of small amounts of Mg(NO3)2.6H2O, (CH3COO)2Ni.4H2O significantly improved the deposition of the functionalized CNTs on the hemp fibers.