Inventors:
Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas - Little Rock AR, US
Steven Trigwell - Kennedy Space Center FL, US
Walter Hatfield - Merritt Island FL, US
Assignee:
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - Little Rock AR
International Classification:
H01B 1/04
H01F 1/01
C01B 21/082
B32B 9/00
B05D 5/12
G01B 7/16
D01F 9/12
C01B 31/26
B82Y 40/00
B82Y 30/00
US Classification:
73774, 4234472, 252503, 252506, 252511, 252 6251R, 423365, 4234151, 428688, 428323, 428221, 428408, 427122, 977742, 977752, 977750, 977734
Abstract:
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a layered structure usable in a strain sensor. In one embodiment, the layered structure has a substrate with a first surface and an opposite, second surface defining a body portion therebetween; and a film of carbon nanotubes deposited on the first surface of the substrate, wherein the film of carbon nanotubes is conductive and characterized with an electrical resistance. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are aligned in a preferential direction. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are formed in a yarn such that any mechanical stress increases their electrical response. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are incorporated into a polymeric scaffold that is attached to the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the surfaces of the carbon nanotubes are functionalized such that its electrical conductivity is increased.