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AbstractScientists of on of the German University have now been able to produce a special nano-scale layer through the combination of metal and carbon that combines both qualities of high strain sensitivity and temperature independence of the electrical resistance. The resistive layer nanoNi@C consists of a carbon matrix with clusters of nickel atoms which are enclosed by one or more layers of turbostratic graphite. It is looking for production and distribution partners for licensing agreement.DetailsModern sensor technology is becoming more and more important in many areas both in industry and daily life. Today’s electro resistive sensors come up against limited physical factors due to the sensitivity of active materials applied.Crucial are two characterristics: the strain sensitivity (kfactor), which reveals the ratio between the resistance change and the relative change in length and secondly the temperature range, in which the resistance does not depend on the temperature. Usually, metal layers made of nickel-chrome or constantan are used. Their k-factor is relatively small (k » 2). Scientists of the Saarland University of Applied Sciences have now been able to produce a special nano-scale layer through combination of metal and carbon that combines both qualities of high strain sensitivity as well as of temperature independence of the electrical resistance. The resistive layer nanoNi@C consists of a carbon matrix with clusters of nickel atoms which are enclosed by one or more layers of turbostratic graphite. Electron microscopic images show that the metal clusters are isolated from each other, so that they do not touch each other. Thus, the electricity transport is affected by the carbon shell. If a strain or distortion of this complex material is induced by e.g. outer pressure, this heavily influences the electricity transport through the material and consequently the electrical resistance. In response through strain, the new material is more than ten times as sensitive as the metallic DMS materials that are currently available. Apart from that, the sensor layer nanoNI@C is mechanically robust and inert against many materials like fuel and oil. Innovative Aspects: APPLICATION - All kinds of sensors for the registration of power/force: Pressure sensors, force sensors, DMS - Pressure sensors without membrane for high or dynamic pressure - High precision resistors with linear temperature coefficient
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