Study on Polystyrene/MWCNT ‎Nanocomposite as a Temperature Sensor

The aim of this research is to fabricate a novel temperature sensor for any calorimetry system. A new mixed solution method was introduced to prepare polystyrene/multiwall carbon nanotube nanocomposite samples with different weight percentages as 0.05, 0.1, 0.28, 1, and 2 of MWCNTs. To demonstrate the dispersion state of the inclusion into the polymer matrix, the SEM analysis was applied. Also, XRD and Raman spectroscopy analyses were carried out. The electrical percolation threshold was investigated and achieved at about 0.28 weight percent of the inclusion. Finally, the electrical resistance of the samples was measured from room temperature up to ~100ºC. Consequently, positive temperature coefficient and negative temperature coefficient effects were observed before and after Tg for the most nanocomposite samples, respectively. The best linear response of the resistance-temperature curve was achieved at 20-50ºC, which using a second-order fitting curve it can be used up t0 ~70ºC. Results show that the polystyrene/multiwall carbon nanotube nanocomposite near the percolation threshold can be used as a temperature sensor for calorimetric purposes.