Design of strain sensors based on the resistivity-percolation curves and piezoresistivity curves of different conductive composites

Abstract

This paper concentrates on conductive composites with conductive fillers and their use for strain sensing based on piezoresistivity. Percolation curves of resistivity were summarized and validated as the basic for the design of such conductive composites-made piezoresistivity-based strain sensors, with percolation zoon and percolation slope as the key. A detailed comparison between cement-based and resin-based conductive composites with fibrous and particulate fillers were made and discussed in this work for further understanding the design of such sensors based on percolation curves. Magnetic field was introduced as an extrinsic factor for the design of the percolation curves and further for the design of such sensors’ piezoresistivity curves, which was proved to be quite an effective way. Concluded speaking, when making more full use of the designability of percolation curves, we can make better strain sensors used for structural health monitoring.