Direct-write fabrication of freestanding nanocomposite strain sensors

This paper deals with the design and microfabrication of two three-dimensional (3D) freestanding patterned strain sensors made of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) nanocomposites with the ultraviolet-assisted direct-write (UV-DW) technique. The first sensor consisted of three nanocomposite microfibers suspended between two rectangular epoxy pads. The flexibility of the UV-DW technique enables manufacturing the sensor and its housing in one monolithic structure. The second sensor was composed of a nanocomposite network consisting of four parallel microsprings, which demonstrates the high capability of the technique when compared to the conventional photolithographic technologies. The performances of the sensors were assessed under tension and compression, respectively. The sensors sensitivities were evaluated by correlating their measured resistivities to the applied displacements/strains. Electrical conductivity measurements revealed that the manufactured sensors are highly sensitive to small mechanical disturbances, especially for lower nanotube loadings when compared to traditional metallic or nanocomposite films. The present manufacturing method offers a new perspective for manufacturing highly sensitive 3D freestanding microstructured sensors.