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A Study of the Swelling Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites through Electrical and Optical Characterization
Author(s) -
del Mauro Anna de Girolamo,
La Ferrara Vera,
Massera Ettore,
Miglietta Maria Lucia,
Polichetti Tiziana,
Rametta Gabriella,
Di Francia Girolamo
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
macromolecular symposia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.257
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-3900
pISSN - 1022-1360
DOI - 10.1002/masy.200951225
Subject(s) - nanocomposite , materials science , polymer , swelling , methacrylate , polymer nanocomposite , chemiresistor , chemical engineering , composite material , nanotechnology , copolymer , engineering
In the present study, polymer nanocomposite layers for sensing applications are characterized by means of an optical method based on white light interferometry. The study focuses on poly (hydroxy ethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and on nanocomposite Carbon black (CB)/PHEMA layers commonly used in chemical sensor technology for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detection. The interferometric spectra of these two different materials, recorded during analyte exposure, are analyzed in terms of film expansion. Comparison between PHEMA and PHEMA/CB layer shows that the nanocomposite undergoes a more pronounced swelling process. In order to achieve a better comprehension of the sensing mechanism and to improve the sensor performances, the variations of the electrical signal of a nanocomposite‐based chemiresistor in presence of VOCs are examined and compared to the optical behaviour.