Magnetic Field-Assisted Orientation and Positioning of Magnetite for Flexible and Electrically Conductive Sensors
Magnetic field-assisted control of magnetite location is a promising strategy for developing flexible, electrically conductive sensors with enhanced performance and adjustable properties. This study investigates the effect of static magnetic fields applied on thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) composites...
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/16/1/68 |
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| author | David Seixas Esteves Amanda Melo Sónia Alves Nelson Durães Maria C. Paiva Elsa W. Sequeiros |
| author_facet | David Seixas Esteves Amanda Melo Sónia Alves Nelson Durães Maria C. Paiva Elsa W. Sequeiros |
| author_sort | David Seixas Esteves |
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| description | Magnetic field-assisted control of magnetite location is a promising strategy for developing flexible, electrically conductive sensors with enhanced performance and adjustable properties. This study investigates the effect of static magnetic fields applied on thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) composites with magnetite and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The composites were prepared by compression moulding and the magnetic field was applied on the mould cavity during processing. Composites were prepared with a range of concentrations of magnetite (1, 3, and 6 wt.%) and MWCNT (1 and 3 wt.%). The effect of particle concentration on composite viscosity was investigated. Rheological analysis showed that MWCNTs significantly increased the composite viscosity while magnetite had minimal impact, ensuring stable processing and facilitating particle orientation under a static magnetic field. Particle orientation and electrical conductivity were evaluated for the composites prepared with different particle concentrations under different processing temperatures. Magnetic field application at 190 °C enhanced magnetite/MWCNT interactions, substantially reducing electrical resistivity while preserving thermal stability. The composites showed no degradation at 220 °C and above, demonstrating suitability for high-temperature applications requiring thermal resilience. Furthermore, magnetite’s magnetic response facilitated precise sensor positioning and strong adhesion to polyimide substrates at 220 °C. These findings demonstrate a scalable and adaptable approach for enhancing sensor performance and positioning, with broad potential in flexible electronics. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-84bb82ba207741548ffa45f30854f034 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2072-666X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Micromachines |
| spelling | doaj-art-84bb82ba207741548ffa45f30854f0342025-01-24T13:42:01ZengMDPI AGMicromachines2072-666X2025-01-011616810.3390/mi16010068Magnetic Field-Assisted Orientation and Positioning of Magnetite for Flexible and Electrically Conductive SensorsDavid Seixas Esteves0Amanda Melo1Sónia Alves2Nelson Durães3Maria C. Paiva4Elsa W. Sequeiros5Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, PortugalCeNTI, Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, 4760-034 Vila Nova de Famalicão, PortugalCeNTI, Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, 4760-034 Vila Nova de Famalicão, PortugalCeNTI, Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, 4760-034 Vila Nova de Famalicão, PortugalDepartment of Polymer Engineering, IPC—Institute for Polymers and Composites, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, PortugalDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, PortugalMagnetic field-assisted control of magnetite location is a promising strategy for developing flexible, electrically conductive sensors with enhanced performance and adjustable properties. This study investigates the effect of static magnetic fields applied on thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) composites with magnetite and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The composites were prepared by compression moulding and the magnetic field was applied on the mould cavity during processing. Composites were prepared with a range of concentrations of magnetite (1, 3, and 6 wt.%) and MWCNT (1 and 3 wt.%). The effect of particle concentration on composite viscosity was investigated. Rheological analysis showed that MWCNTs significantly increased the composite viscosity while magnetite had minimal impact, ensuring stable processing and facilitating particle orientation under a static magnetic field. Particle orientation and electrical conductivity were evaluated for the composites prepared with different particle concentrations under different processing temperatures. Magnetic field application at 190 °C enhanced magnetite/MWCNT interactions, substantially reducing electrical resistivity while preserving thermal stability. The composites showed no degradation at 220 °C and above, demonstrating suitability for high-temperature applications requiring thermal resilience. Furthermore, magnetite’s magnetic response facilitated precise sensor positioning and strong adhesion to polyimide substrates at 220 °C. These findings demonstrate a scalable and adaptable approach for enhancing sensor performance and positioning, with broad potential in flexible electronics.https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/16/1/68magnetiteMWCNTflexible electronicsconductive composites |
| spellingShingle | David Seixas Esteves Amanda Melo Sónia Alves Nelson Durães Maria C. Paiva Elsa W. Sequeiros Magnetic Field-Assisted Orientation and Positioning of Magnetite for Flexible and Electrically Conductive Sensors Micromachines magnetite MWCNT flexible electronics conductive composites |
| title | Magnetic Field-Assisted Orientation and Positioning of Magnetite for Flexible and Electrically Conductive Sensors |
| title_full | Magnetic Field-Assisted Orientation and Positioning of Magnetite for Flexible and Electrically Conductive Sensors |
| title_fullStr | Magnetic Field-Assisted Orientation and Positioning of Magnetite for Flexible and Electrically Conductive Sensors |
| title_full_unstemmed | Magnetic Field-Assisted Orientation and Positioning of Magnetite for Flexible and Electrically Conductive Sensors |
| title_short | Magnetic Field-Assisted Orientation and Positioning of Magnetite for Flexible and Electrically Conductive Sensors |
| title_sort | magnetic field assisted orientation and positioning of magnetite for flexible and electrically conductive sensors |
| topic | magnetite MWCNT flexible electronics conductive composites |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/16/1/68 |
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