Integrating Benzoxazine-PDMS 3D Networks with Carbon Nanotubes for flexible Pressure Sensors

Shapeable and flexible pressure sensors with superior mechanical and electrical properties are of major interest as they can be employed in a wide range of applications. In this regard, elastomer-based composites incorporating carbon nanomaterials in the insulating matrix embody an appealing solution for designing flexible pressure sensors with specific properties. In this study, PDMS chains of different molecular weight were successfully functionalized with benzoxazine moieties in order to thermally cure them without adding a second component, nor a catalyst or an initiator. These precursors were then blended with 1 weight percent of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using an ultrasound probe, which induced a transition from a liquid-like to a gel-like behavior as CNTs generate an interconnected network within the matrix. After curing, the resulting nanocomposites exhibit mechanical and electrical properties making them highly promising materials for pressure-sensing applications. Our study focuses on preparing benzoxazine-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PH-PDMS) and developing elastomeric nanocomposites by incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Through thermally curing, these nanocomposites demonstrate excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical stability, attributed to favorable MWCNT-matrix interactions which enable efficient dispersion of MWCNTs. These findings highlight the potential of these materials for pressure-sensing applications.image