Highly sensitive tactile/proximity sensor elements prepared of carbon microcoils

Abstract

Carbon microcoil (CMC) can be easily extends or contacts under very small stress, and electrical parameters (L,C.R.Z,etc.) changes under the extending and contracting. Accordingly CMC/elastic resin elements are useful as highly sensitive tactile or proximity sensor elements. In this study, relationship between preparation conditions of CMC sensor element and sensing properties were examined. It was found that electrical resistivity of CMC(4vol%)/polysilicone element changed by 1,000 times under applied compressive stress of 0.1-0.2MPa. (tactile property). Furthermore, It was found that z(impedance) or L(inductance) of the element gradually changed under accessing a hand or metal (proximity property).