Evaluation of Interfacial and Micro-Damage Sensing of Composites via Pencil Lead Drawing Paper Sensor (PLDPS) and Electrical Resistance (ER) Mapping

Abstract

The pencil lead drawing paper sensor (PLDPS) is a flexible and wearable sensing device, a new concept sensor that offers a tremendous potential feasibility for a variety of applications. Highly responsive, sensitive, low cost, easy-to-handle pencil lead graphite and paper made from cellulose pulp fibers extracted from wood, rags or grass, which are inexpensive, nature-friendly materials were used. The sensing effect on 3 different papers (Plane, Hwasun, and Han papers) based on the properties of PLDPS was compared via FT-IR, tensile test, optical observation and initial electrical resistance (ER). The interfacial and mechanical properties of epoxy and GF/epoxy composites were evaluated by damage sensing and ER mapping using PLDPS with impact, flexural, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) tests. The optimum type of paper used as the adherend for the pencil sensor was chosen as the plane paper. As glass fiber (GF)/epoxy composites were severely damaged, the large change in ER of PLDPS was observed distinctly.