Assessing the Electrical Properties of DPLF/CNT/PDMS Biocomposite Using Impedance Measurements

In this contribution, a new biocomposite based on natural Palm fibres is explored. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and Doom palm leaf fibres (DPLF) composite is investigated using simple and cost-effective solution mixing method. This study was done to validate the potential of this novel material for pressure sensing. Thin composite layers containing different concentrations of DPLF and MWCNTs have been realized using stencil printing method. Using MWCNT as a first filler in PDMS polymer, contributes to a piezoresistive properties. In order to investigate the impact of DPLF addition on the electrical properties of the composites, electrical measurements were conducted using impedance spectroscopy and linear sweep voltammetry. The results have shown that the addition of DPLF has a huge impact on the electrical behaviour of the composite, significant base resistance increase, potential change in the percolation threshold and increase in sensitivity.