Fabrication of a Cost-Effective Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor Based on PVC/Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) Composite

In this research, a cost-effective piezoresistive sensor based on polyvinyl chloride/reduced graphene oxide (PVC/rGO) was fabricated and its performance was investigated. Composites were prepared by adding ۰.۱-۳۰ wt.% of rGO to the PVC matrix followed by solution casting. The plot of electrical conduction-concentration was constructed to obtain the percolation threshold concentration. It was found that the percolation threshold of reduced graphene oxide leading to a continuous stable electrical conductivity in PVC matrix is about۲۵% beyond which electrical resistance was reduced drastically from some ۸۰۰GΩ to lower than۱۰۰KΩ range The relative change in electrical resistance of prepared polymer parts as a result of pressure (stress), strain, torsion and low strength impact was studied. The results showed that the fabricated composite can be used for sensing and/or monitoring and measurement of any mechanical displacement with high sensitivity, promising reproducibility and satisfactory durability.