A review of vapor grown carbon nanofiber/polymer conductive composites

Recent advances in carbon-based polymer nanocomposites for electromagnetic interference shielding

Comparative study of electromagnetic interference shielding properties of injection molded versus compression molded multi-walled carbon nanotube/polystyrene composites

The large expansion of the robotic field in the last decades has created a growing interest in the research and development of tactile sensing solutions for robot hand and body integration. Piezoresistive composites are one of the most widely employed materials for this purpose, combining simple and low cost preparation with high flexibility and conformability to surfaces, low power consumption, and the use of simple read-out electronics. This work provides a review on the different type of composite materials, classified according to the conduction mechanism and analyzing the physics behind it. In particular piezoresistors, strain gauges, percolative and quantum tunnelling devices are reviewed here, with a perspective overview on the most used filler types and polymeric matrices. A description of the state-of-the-art of the tactile sensor solutions from the point of view of the architecture, the design and the performance is also reviewed, with a perspective outlook on the main promising applications.

https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/14/3/5296/pdf

Flexible Tactile Sensing Based on Piezoresistive Composites: A Review

http://www.ppsconferences.org/public/abs_2011/56.pdf

Electrical and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of flow-induced oriented carbon nanotubes in polycarbonate

Conducting polymer composites become increasingly important for technical applications. In this article, the resulting electrical properties of such materials are illustrated by a variety of experimental examples. It is shown that the combined mechanical, thermal and electrical interaction between the filler particles via their electrical contacts and the surrounding polymer host matrix are responsible for the properties of the composite material. A short review is given of the theoretical background for the understanding of the electrical transport in such materials. The arrangement of the filler particles and the resulting conductivity can be described either by percolation or by effective medium theories. It can also be related to different types of charge carrier transport processes depending on the internal composite structure. Special emphasis is given to the microstructure of the filler particles such as size, hardness, shape and their electrical and thermal conductivities. A detailed analysis of the physics of the contact spots and the temperature development during current flow at the contact is given. It is shown that the polymer matrix has a strong influence on the electrical conductivity due to its elastic properties and the response to external thermal and mechanical stimulation. Strong changes in the electrical conductivity of conducting polymer composites can be realized either by thermal stimuli, leading to a positive and negative temperature coefficient in resistivity, or by applying mechanical stress. By using nonlinear fillers an additional degree of functionality can be achieved with conducting polymers.

R. stru¨mpler

Papers

FEATURE ARTICLE Conducting Polymer Composites