Thermoresistive Sensors Based on Eco-Friendly Carbon Dioxide-Derived Polymeric Poly(Cyclohexene)carbonate Loaded With Reduced Graphene Oxide and Carbon Black

Abstract

Carbon dioxide-derived polycarbonates (CO2-PCs) present a sustainable alternative to standard bisphenol A polycarbonates (BPA-PCs), as they are synthesized from the reaction between epoxide and carbon dioxide (CO2). In fact, these eco-friendly polymers are less widespread and studied than BPA-PCs for electronic applications. Herein, in this work composites consisting of a CO2-derived poly(cyclohexene)carbonate (PCHC) polymer matrix loaded with different weight percentages of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbon black (CB) have been prepared, and their thermoresistive (TR) characteristics have been evaluated. The prepared composites show enhanced thermal stability but decreased mechanical properties with the incorporation of the filler, regardless of its type and loading, compared to the neat polymeric matrix. With respect to the electrical conductivity, PCHC composites show values comparable to those of BPA-PCs, representing therefore a suitable replacement for electronic applications. TR characterization has been performed on the 5.0rGO and 4.0CB composites, reaching sensitivities (S) up to S40°C–100°C = −1.3 × 10−4°C−1 for 5.0rGO and S40°C–100°C = 6.5 × 10−5°C−1 for the 4.0CB composite. This work demonstrates the suitability of PCHC/rGO and PCHC/ CB composites for TR sensing applications, opening a path towards environmentally friendlier electronic solutions.