A smart bearing system based on piezoresistive carbon black loaded natural rubber

The possibility of using conductive rubber based nanocomposites as a new technology for realizing smart bearings for large structures is demonstrated. More specifically, the use of natural rubber, loaded by using carbon black, for realizing bearings with piezoresistive sensing capabilities, is proposed. A very large frame, along with the required measuring system, has been realized. The experimental investigation of the piezoresistive behavior of the smart bearings has been, therefore, carried out. The experiments were conducted under typical laboratory conditions, while the bearings were subjected to compressive deformations. The obtained results show the possibility of constructing smart bearings that, while used as building elements, can work as sensing elements. The proposed technology can be, therefore, used for realizing bearings capable of monitoring the load and health conditions of large structures., smart bearing, piezoresisitivity nanocomposite, polymer, carbon black, conductive rubber.