Development of TPU/MWCNT Composite Bending Sensor

Additive manufacturing technology has high applicability across various fields without distinction. Since there is no limitation on materials, functional materials also contribute greatly to the development of additive manufacturing technology. The conductive composite, which provide electrical properties by mixing conductive materials with a polymer that is an insulator, represent one of the most popular areas. These conductive composites can act as a sensor by integrating with an actuator. New types of functional actuators are being designed using sensors with mechanical and electrical properties, and processes for manufacturing them are being developed. In this study, a resistance-based sensor was fabricated by mixing thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT). The sensor was printed on a soft gripper and evaluated for resistance response according to bending operation. Analysis was conducted considering several variables, and as a result, superior performance was measured in terms of responsiveness to gripper operation. It is revealed that several types of sensors with respect to TPU/MWCNT composition, having various sensitivity can be used to sense the bending deformation of the soft gripper.