Abstract
In this paper, a multifunctional thermoset polymer composite consisting of polyaniline, dodecylbenzene-sulfonic acid and divinylbenzene has been demonstrated as a strain sensor under different static loading conditions. Four-probe electrical conductivity measurement method was adopted to measure the change in electrical resistance of the material with respect to the applied static load. A systematic study was conducted to estimate the working range of the sensor considering the hysteresis effect, relaxation behavior and long cyclic load. A strain rate change effect and thermal stability study was also conducted to characterize the sensor. Moreover, gauge factor was calculated and its stability over the working range was studied. The results show that the sensor is suitable for low strain measurements, in a range of 0.025%–0.3% strain. These responses qualify this polymer system as a multifunctional material. The multi-functionality of the conductive adhesive layer has the potential to provide in-situ structural health monitoring in composite structures under loading conditions.
