Interfacial Evaluation and Hydrophobicity of Multifunctional Hybrid Nanocomposites for Self-sensing and Actuation

Interfacial evaluation and hydrophobicity of Ni-nanopowder/epoxy composites were investigated for self-sensing and actuation. Contact resistance and resistivity were measured using gradient micro-specimens. The actuation of the composites in the electromagnetic field was studied with three wave functions, i.e., sine, triangle and square functions. Due tothe presence of hydrophobic domains on the heterogeneous surface, the static contact angle of Ni-nanopowder/epoxy nanocomposite wasabout 110 degrees, which was rather lower than that for super-hydrophobicity. The dynamic contact angle showed the similar trend of static contact angle. Ni-nanopowder/epoxy composite was responded wellfor both self-sensing and actuation in electromagnetic field due to the intrinsic metal property of Ni-nanopowder. Displacement of the actuator of Ni-nanopowder/epoxy composite was evaluated to obtain the maximum and the optimum performance using laser displacement sensor as functions of the wave type, frequency, and voltage. Actuation of Ni-nanopowder/epoxy composites also increased as functions of applied frequency and voltage. Actuated strain increased more rapidly at sine wave with increasing voltage compared to those of triangle or rectangular waves.