In this study flexible polymer nanocomposite material with different types of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (single-walled CNT [SWCNT] or multi-walled CNT [MWCNT]) has been obtained for use in stretchable elements of flexible structures. The features of electrically conductive nanostructures and their distribution in the nanocomposite material have been studied using Raman spectrometer and scanning electron microscope, respectively. Setup for studying the functional characteristics of the nanocomposite material based on a testing machine has been developed. The setup ensures simultaneous measurement of the electrical resistance of the nanocomposite material under cyclic tension. The ultimate tensile strength of the polymer composite under 25% tension with different electrically conductive nanostructures has been determined. It has been exposed for a sample with MWCNT, the ultimate tensile strength is significantly lower. It has been revealed that the highest tensile strength had been achieved in composites at about 0.37 MPa. The strain sensitivity (gauge factor [GF]) of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/MWCNT has higher GF value compared to PDMS/SWCNT. This shows a higher potential for using them as fillers for creating sensor systems based on nanocomposite conductive materials.
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