Piezoresistivity of Polyethylene Terephthalate Nickel Powder Composite

The mechanical properties, electrical resistivity and piezoresistivity of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nickel powder composite were studied. The composite was produced by mix melted PET with river sand and nickel powders. The properties of composite were investigated by different nickel powder's content and load scenario. The results show that the electrical resistivity of composite is improved by nickel powder added. The electrical conductive percolation threshold of composite is 30%. The effect of loading rate on piezoresistivity of composite is negligible. The piezoresistivity of composite has the best repeatability by cyclic loading. The fractional change in resistivity to stress regression equation is obtained by statistical analysis as the nickel powder content is 30%.