Fast response resistive humidity sensitivity of polyimide/multiwall carbon nanotube composite films

In this study, the fast response resistive humidity sensing properties of polyimide/multiwall carbon nanotube (PI/MWNT) composite films were demonstrated. A composite film with a loading of 3 wt% MWNTs possesses a very linear response nature, a linearity correlation (R²) of 0.99157 and a sensitivity of 0.00146/%RH. The response time was less than 5 s and the resistance changed synchronously with different humidities. The recoverable and repeatable resistive responses affirmed the high efficiency of this film for fast humidity detection. A negative temperature effect was found and proper temperature compensation should be considered in the future applications. Moreover, the humidity sensing properties were presented as a bulk effect owing to water penetration. The stability of the films was proven, which further confirmed that the films could be used as reliable sensor materials. The surfaces of the films were found as an organized structure with nano-size dimples, which is helpful for absorption of water molecules. The proposed sensing mechanisms are related with tunnel effects, doping of MWNTs by water and a barrier effect between MWNTs. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.