Open Access Multifunctional Carbon Nanotube Film Composite for Structure Health Monitoring and Damping

Abstract: The goal of this work is to develop and investigate the properties of a new type of multifunctional composite which is based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The composite was prepared from a MWCNT “bucky pa-per ” film which was sandwiched between two adhesive layers. Both two point probe and four point probe methods were used to test its mechanical strain sensing properties. The Young ’ modulus and shear modulus of MWCNT film composite were acquired by the nanoindentation test and direct shear test. A free vibration test was also performed to investigate its structural damping properties. Our research indicated that this new type of carbon nanotube based composite is potentially capable of functioning as a strain sensor and damping device simultaneously for structural vibration control