Piezoresistive <scp>SWCNT</scp> /Epoxy Pressure Sensors Enabling Ultrawide‐Range and Stable Geotechnical Stress Monitoring

ABSTRACT Reliable measurement of earth pressure is essential for the safe operation of geotechnical structures; however, most carbon‐nanotube‐based piezoresistive sensors are limited by low mechanical rigidity and narrow operating ranges. This study presents a high‐stiffness single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/epoxy piezoresistive sensor for wide‐range geotechnical pressure monitoring, achieved through the combined use of a rigid epoxy matrix, an optimized CNT conductive network near the percolation threshold, and tailored circular diaphragm geometry. A homogeneous SWCNT network is formed via ultrasonic–magnetic co‐dispersion at a low loading (~0.10 wt.%), enabling stable and repeatable electromechanical responses under compression. The sensor exhibits an ultrawide pressure range up to 3000 kPa with piecewise linear behavior, maintaining high sensitivity (0.75 kPa −1 below 100 kPa) and stable response at higher pressures (0.010 kPa −1 up to 3000 kPa). Key performance metrics include fast response/recovery (133/140 ms), excellent cyclic stability over 10,000 cycles, and negligible resistance drift under sustained loading. Finite element simulations indicate that structural geometry significantly influences stress transfer efficiency, with an intermediate diameter‐to‐thickness ratio (~4) providing optimal uniform stress distribution and maximizing sensitivity, whereas hollow or ribbed configurations induce localized strain and reduce overall resistance response. Soil‐embedding tests across multiple soil types confirm reliable performance under realistic geotechnical conditions, with low noise, strong resistance to particle disturbance, and good agreement with theoretical stress distributions.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Polymer Composites
Published
2026-05-09
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.71208
Primary Topic
Smart Materials for Construction
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Piezoresistive SWCNT /Epoxy Pressure Sensors Enabling Ultrawide‐Range and Stable Geotechnical Stress Monitoring

Yichao Wang, Yulu Wang, Yi-Xiang Wang, Junjie Zou
Polymer Composites
Smart Materials for Construction
article

Piezoresistive SWCNT /Epoxy Pressure Sensors Enabling Ultrawide‐Range and Stable Geotechnical Stress Monitoring

Yichao Wang, Yulu Wang, Yi-Xiang Wang, Junjie Zou
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Reliable measurement of earth pressure is essential for the safe operation of geotechnical structures; however, most carbon‐nanotube‐based piezoresistive sensors are limited by low mechanical rigidity and narrow operating ranges. This study presents a high‐stiffness single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/epoxy piezoresistive sensor for wide‐range geotechnical pressure monitoring, achieved through the combined use of a rigid epoxy matrix, an optimized CNT conductive network near the percolation threshold, and tailored circular diaphragm geometry. A homogeneous SWCNT network is formed via ultrasonic–magnetic co‐dispersion at a low loading (~0.10 wt.%), enabling stable and repeatable electromechanical responses under compression. The sensor exhibits an ultrawide pressure range up to 3000 kPa with piecewise linear behavior, maintaining high sensitivity (0.75 kPa −1 below 100 kPa) and stable response at higher pressures (0.010 kPa −1 up to 3000 kPa). Key performance metrics include fast response/recovery (133/140 ms), excellent cyclic stability over 10,000 cycles, and negligible resistance drift under sustained loading. Finite element simulations indicate that structural geometry significantly influences stress transfer efficiency, with an intermediate diameter‐to‐thickness ratio (~4) providing optimal uniform stress distribution and maximizing sensitivity, whereas hollow or ribbed configurations induce localized strain and reduce overall resistance response. Soil‐embedding tests across multiple soil types confirm reliable performance under realistic geotechnical conditions, with low noise, strong resistance to particle disturbance, and good agreement with theoretical stress distributions.

Polymer Composites
Nanjing Tech University (CN), RMIT University (AU)
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Life in Land
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Smart Materials for Construction
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.