Abstract
Smart multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-coated cellulose fibers with a unique sensing ability were manufactured by a simple dip coating process. The formation of electrically-conducting MWCNT networks on cellulose mono- and multi-filament fiber surfaces was confirmed by electrical resistance measurements and visualized by scanning electron microscopy. The interaction between MWCNT networks and cellulose fiber was investigated by Raman spectroscopy. The piezoresistivity of these fibers for strain sensing was investigated. The MWCNT-coated cellulose fibers exhibited a unique linear strain-dependent electrical resistance change up to 18% strain, with good reversibility and repeatability. In addition, the sensing behavior of these fibers to volatile molecules (including vapors of methanol, ethanol, acetone, chloroform and tetrahydrofuran) was investigated. The results revealed a rapid response, high sensitivity and good reproducibility for these chemical vapors. Besides, they showed good selectivity to different vapors. It is suggested that the intrinsic physical and chemical features of cellulose fiber, well-formed MWCNT networks and favorable MWCNT-cellulose interaction caused the unique and excellent sensing ability of the MWCNT-coated cellulose fibers, which have the potential to be used as smart materials.
Highlights
Nowadays, the use of intelligent materials that are capable of reacting to environmental conditions or stimuli, such as mechanical, thermal, chemical, magnetic or others, is growing in the field of textiles [1,2,3,4]
As the SEM images show (Figure 1b–d), the interconnected multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) networks were formed on cellulose fiber surfaces after dip coating in the prepared carbon nanotubes (CNTs) dispersions
This process is efficient for both cellulose monofilament fibers and multifilament fibers to be modified with MWCNTs
Summary
The use of intelligent materials that are capable of reacting to environmental conditions or stimuli, such as mechanical, thermal, chemical, magnetic or others, is growing in the field of textiles [1,2,3,4]. Jute fibers and corresponding epoxy-based composites with sensing abilities could be realized by depositing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the surfaces of jute fibers or fabrics [15] These conductive MWCNT-jute fibers can be used as integrated sensors or surface-mount strain gauges to monitor crack initiation/propagation and stress/strain behavior in different composite structures [15]. These reported results are impressive, and the CNT-functionalized cellulose natural fibers will find a variety of applications in high performance fabrics and intelligent materials. The correlations between the microstructures of MWCNT networks and sensing behavior will be discussed in detail
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