Polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposite filled with 3D carbon nanosheet frameworks for tensile and compressive strain sensors

Elastomeric matrix filled with carbon nanotubes or graphene has been focused for making resistive-type strain sensors. Here, we report the low-cost synthesis of 3D carbon nanosheet frameworks by exploiting the chemical reaction between magnesium powder and carbon disulfide vapor, and prepared piezoresistive nanocomposites of as-prepared carbon nanomaterials and polydimethylsiloxane elastomer for tensile and compressive strain sensors with different device configurations. The optimal carbon content in PDMS for achieving high sensitivity is obtained. The tensile strain sensor shows fast response and high gauge factor in the order of 10². The compressive strain sensor that is elaborated designed as in-plane and miniature concept also shows striking response to external loads.