Selective laser sintering of carbon nanotube–coated thermoplastic polyurethane: Mechanical, electrical, and piezoresistive properties

Flexible and electrically conductive carbon nanotube/thermoplastic polyurethane (CNT/TPU) nanocomposites have been herein fabricated by selective laser sintering (SLS) for the applications of wearable electronics strain sensors. CNT/TPU nanocomposite powders were systematically developed a latex-based technique. The effects CNT content on SLS processability mechanical, electrical, piezoresistive properties SLS-printed specimens investigated. It was found that improved electrical conductivity sensing performance printed parts, but excessively high led to melt viscosity, deteriorated behavior, hence degraded mechanical properties. 2.0 wt% exhibited enhanced (seven orders magnitude higher than neat TPU), sensitivity (gauge factor 60 at tensile 20%), wide range (0‒130% strain). A mathematical model based tunneling theory established describe predict nanocomposites. This study provides profound insights into development multi-functional their in flexible