Self-sensing composite material based on piezoelectric nanofibers

Recently, efforts have been made to manufacture self-sensing smart composites by integrating piezoelectric sensors with laminates. However, the interleaving of pressure sensors, such as polymeric films, dramatically reduces impact resistance hosting laminates, and consequently, delamination can occur. This study aimed fabricate a composite material embedding nanofibers poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) in elastic matrix carbon black-based electrodes detect signal. The mechanical electrical properties laminate were maintained after 106 fatigue test cycles. By appropriately tuning parameters acquisition circuit, sensor could measure not only impulsive loads but also low-frequency low 0.5 Hz. A model lumped for polarization process response is proposed validated experimental results. As proof model, nanofiber embedded prosthetic fiber sole, signal closely followed ground reaction force sensitivity 0.14 mV/N.