Functionalized graphene reinforced thermoplastic nanocomposites as strain sensors in structural health monitoring

Functionalized graphene-polyvinylidene fluoride (f-G-PVDF) nanocomposite films were synthesized using a simple solvent casting technique. The investigation demonstrates the real time strain response of f-G-PVDF nanocomposites on the macro-scale under tensile loads and the use of this nanocomposite as strain sensor. This is ascribed to the variation of electrical properties of graphene-polymer upon mechanical deformation at the nanoscale. © 2011 The Royal Society of Chemistry.