Nonlinear Piezoresistive Behavior of Plain-Woven Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Subjected to Tensile Loading

This work aims to investigate piezoresistive behavior in plain-woven carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). Measurement method for electric resistant alteration in the woven CFRP under tensile loading by using a Wheatstone bridge circuit is introduced. Reversibility of the resistant alteration is also investigated whereas the gauge factor of the woven CFRP is evaluated. The result shows that the positive piezoresistive properties of the woven CFRP can be observed by the Wheatstone bridge circuit. The specific resistances of 43.8 μΩm and 10.1 μΩm are obtained for wrap and thickness directions, respectively. Reversibility with a hysteresis of the woven CFRP can also be confirmed with the gauge factor of 22.9 at loading conditions and 17.7 at unloading conditions. Positive piezoresistive behavior which has been revealed in this work can be utilized for structural health monitoring technology development.