Phys.org October 7, 2024
An international team of researchers (UK, Turkey) developed an experimentally informed predictive framework for autonomous sensing architected materials, combining theoretical and computational methodologies. The model incorporates stress-dependent electrical resistivity, geometric, and contact nonlinearities. It captures architecture-dependent piezoresistive responses of lattice composites produced via additive manufacturing of polyetherimide (PEI)/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanoengineered feedstock. The PEI/CNT composite exhibited exceptional strength, stiffness, and strain sensitivity, translating into remarkable piezoresistive characteristics for the PEI/CNT lattice composites, surpassing existing works. It accurately predicts both macroscopic piezoresistive responses and the influence of architectural and topological variations on electric current paths. According to the researchers their findings offer insights into optimizing piezoresistive composites through architected design, with implications for smart orthopedics, structural health monitoring, sensors, batteries, and other multifunctional applications… read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Additively manufactured 3 wt.% CNT-reinforced Polyetherimide lattice composites. Credit: Advanced Functional Materials, 24 September 2024