Self-sensing of CNF and Ni nanowire/PVDF and cellulose composites using electro-micromechanical test
Self-sensing and actuation were investigated for carbon nanofiber (CNF) and Ni nanowire/polymer composites. Electro-micromechanical techniques can be used for evaluating self-sensing and interfacial properties indirectly under loading/subsequent unloading. Apparent modulus and contact resistivity for CNF/epoxy composites were evaluated as functions of different aspect ratio. CNF/epoxy composites with smaller aspect ratio shown to be higher apparent modulus due to high volume content in case of short aspect ratio. Surface energy via dynamic contact angle measurement was evaluated to obtain interfacial adhesion between nano-materials embedded matrix and carbon fiber sensor. Interfacial properties of CNF/epoxy with different aspect ratios were also obtained indirectly. CNF-PVDF, Ni nanowire-CNF-silicone and Ni nanowire-cellulose actuator were made successfully. Electrochemical actuator of CNF-PVDF was responded in electrolyte solution. Magnetic actuators of Ni nanowire-CNF-silicone and Ni nanowire-cellulose composites were monitored under electro-magnetic field with different frequency, wave function and voltage. Ni nanowire-CNF-silicone actuator with lightness and Ni nanowire-cellulose actuator with rapid frequency response having meaningful merits can be applied for various new smart structural materials.