(93i) Fabricated Nanocomposite Temperature Detector Sensor

The aim of this work is to construct and test fabric like temperature detectors, which can be used for the advancement of exercise devices, prosthetic sockets, or medical applications. Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) are an effective way to measure temperature due to the dependence of the RTD materialâ??s resistance on temperature. The focus of this project is to develop RTDs for prosthetic socket or exercise applications, where the RTD is in close contact with the skin of the user, as in a prosthetic liner or in a show. Generally, RTDs are constructed from platinum, copper or nicker. However, metal RTDs have a tendency to be larger and rigid, making them uncomfortable for the user. The idea of this project comes from the need for a temperature device that does not create a pressure point within the liner or shoe. Rigid temperature detectors cause pressure points, which causes wear and sores on the user. The development of a fabric-like sensor would minimize such problems due to the thin, soft, flexible characteristics of the RTD. The fabric nanocomposite material acts like a RTD, because the conductivity increases linearly with temperature which is demonstrated by DC measurement. These are made from electrospun Nylon 6 and Polyurethane, which functionalized with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polypyrrole (PPy) and characterized by SEM to show morphology of polymer matt/MWCNT/and polypyrrole. TGA was performed to shown the amount of MWCNTs adsorbed on the polymer substrate. The conductivity of device follows a percolate behavior and Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR) which is experimentally determined. Resistance decreases with increasing temperature, which shows that this is a negative TCR material. The optimum TCR value is -0.204 ± 0.008%/C which shows that, this is suitable for temperature detection. This value is comparable to that of previously studied carbon nanotubes and devices, but uniqueness in that it is made using a polymeric substrate.