Self-sensing nanocomposites in automotive/aeronautic field

Carbon Nanotubes have been incorporated in a resin-based on the bi-functional epoxy precursor diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). Electrical measurements allowed evaluating the electric percolation curve with a value of electric percolation threshold detected around 0.015% by weight of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). It has been found, by electro-mechanical tests, that the Gauge Factor (G.F.) decreases with increasing the carbon nanotubes percentage. Furthermore, the presence of a residual resistivity allows diagnosing permanent damage in the epoxy matrix. High piezoresistive performance (G.F. = 4.7) of the Carbon Fiber Reinforced Panels (CFRP) coated with the epoxy resin containing 0.1 wt% of MWCNT, has been obtained.