Three-dimensional porous multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) sponges were prepared by chemical vapor deposition, and then which were filled with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Carbon nanotubes sponges still maintain the three-dimensional structure after filled with PDMS, which provided a conductive network and mechanical framework. The uniformly filled PDMS makes the composite film stretchable and elastic. The synergistic effect between carbon nanotubes and polydimethylsiloxane resulted in high mechanical strength (3.7 MPa), stretchability (207%) and superior elasticity of MWNTs/PDMS composite films. The MWNTs/PDMS film presents the resistance change (△R/R0) of 0.9%, 1.4%, 2.3%, 3.5% and 4.6%, and gage factor change (GF) of 0.09, 0.07, 0.046, 0.044 and 0.046 when subjected to strain of 10%, 20%, 50%, 80% and 100%, respectively. The sensing performance has a good stability which cannot be influenced by stretching speed and cycle numbers. In addition, the MWNTs/PDMS composite films inherited the hydrophobicity of MWNTs sponges and PDMS. © 2021, Editorial Office of Chinese Journal of Materials Research. All right reserved.
