Rapid electromechanical transduction on a single-walled carbon nanotube film: Sensing fast mechanical loading via detection of electrical signal change

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely explored as next generation embedded-strain-pressure sensors. However, most investigations of CNT sensors did not consider the response time as a critical factor, although the ultrafast sensing of mechanical deformation is very important for the detection of dynamic loading or impact, such as in reactive armor systems. Owing to the low capacitance that shortens the response time of the electrical resistance changes induced by mechanical deformation, CNTs are expected to detect rapid electromechanical transduction without delay. Herein, we fabricate single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) films on diverse substrates, and evaluate their applications as sensors to detect rapid electromechanical transduction on a macroscopic scale. Under repetitive, high-speed mechanical loading, the SWNT films generate consistent electrical signal changes, which are accurately synchronized with their strain and the beginning of the deformation.