Electrical Resistance Response of Carbon Nanotube / PMMA / PVAc Composite Sensors to Organic Vapours at Low Vapour Concentrations

Abstract

Thin films of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)，poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and carbon nanotube composites were produced by different coating methods. The best way to produce the carbon nanotube / PMMA / PVAc composite film with conductive network is dispersing carbon nanotubes in PMMA and PVAc by ultrasonic and by solution casting. Electrical resistance responses of carbon nanotube / PMMA / PVAc composite sensors against various organic vapors at low concentrations are investigated. The experimental results indicate that the composites have high selectivity to various organic vapors at the same concentration. In addition, the electric resistance response of the composites against organic vapors takes place in step with their vapor adsorption procedure. Compatible blends of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(vinyl acetate) would be a good candidate to produce a series of electrically conducting carbon nanotubes composite film whose resistance is sensitive to the nature and concentration of an analyte in the vapor phase. The results indicate that the carbon nanotube / PMMA / PAVc composite film can be used as a novel organic vapor sensor to detect, quantify and discriminate various organic vapors.