Increasing Electric Properties And Sensing Chitosan Films With The Addition Of PEOs (polyethylene Oxide) As Air Humidity Sensors
Increasing Electric Properties and Sensing Chitosan Films with the Addition of PEOs (Polyethylene Oxide) as Air Humidity Sensors
Introduction
In recent years, the development of air humidity sensors has gained significant attention due to their potential applications in various fields, including agriculture, food storage, and climate control. One of the key challenges in creating effective humidity sensors is the development of materials that are sensitive, durable, and easy to produce. In this study, we investigated the addition of polyethylene oxide (PEO) to chitosan films to improve their electric properties and sensing capabilities as air humidity sensors.
Experiment and Methodology
In this experiment, we added varying concentrations of PEO (0.1% to 0.5% based on weight per volume) to the chitosan solution and used the Solution Casting method to create the films. The films were then tested for their electrical conductivity and sensing capabilities using a cooling machine with the KT-2000 AHU model. The test results revealed that the addition of PEOs increased the electrical conductivity of the chitosan films, with a different percentage of increase for each PEO concentration.
Results and Discussion
The test results showed that the addition of PEOs in the chitosan film increases electrical conductivity with a different percentage of increase for each PEO concentration: 41.25% for 0.1%; 80.00% for 0.2%; 122.50% for 0.3%; 85.00% for 0.4%; and 48.75% for 0.5%. In addition, the test shows that the output voltage of the chitosan film added by PEOs increases, where sensors with a 0.3% PEO produces a maximum output voltage that reaches above 400 mV, while the output voltage of pure chitosan is below 300 mV.
From the test, it can be concluded that the film chitosan with the addition of 0.3% PEO shows the best electricity and sensing. This sensor has the highest sensitivity reaching 5.34 and shows satisfying loops and stability. This makes the chitosan film with a 0.3% PEO concentration as a very good candidate to be used as an air humidity sensor.
Additional Analysis and Explanation
Increasing the electrical properties of chitosan films produced from the addition of PEOs can be explained through the interaction between PEO molecules and chitosan. PEO is a polymer that can increase ion mobility, thus contributing to an increase in electrical conductivity. In addition, PEOs also function as a plasticizer, which helps increase the flexibility and endurance of the film.
By using the Solution Casting method, the filmmaking process becomes more efficient and allows the control of PEO concentration with high precision. It is important to get optimal electric properties. Through testing of air humidity, chitosan films with PEOs show a rapid and accurate response to changes in moisture levels, making it the ideal solution for sensor applications in an environment that requires moisture supervision, such as in the agricultural industry or food storage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of chitosan films with the addition of PEOs as air humidity sensors. The results show that the addition of PEOs increases the electrical conductivity and sensing capabilities of the chitosan films, making them a promising choice in the development of modern sensors. The use of natural materials like chitosan and PEOs also contributes to sustainability and efficiency in various applications.
Future Work
Future work can focus on optimizing the concentration of PEOs and the filmmaking process to further improve the electric properties and sensing capabilities of the chitosan films. Additionally, the development of more complex sensor systems that can detect multiple parameters, such as temperature and humidity, can also be explored.
Applications
The development of air humidity sensors using chitosan films with PEOs has various applications in fields such as:
- Agriculture: monitoring soil moisture levels to optimize crop growth and reduce water waste
- Food storage: monitoring humidity levels to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life
- Climate control: monitoring humidity levels to maintain optimal indoor air quality and comfort
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of chitosan films with the addition of PEOs as air humidity sensors. The results show that the addition of PEOs increases the electrical conductivity and sensing capabilities of the chitosan films, making them a promising choice in the development of modern sensors. The use of natural materials like chitosan and PEOs also contributes to sustainability and efficiency in various applications.
Q&A: Increasing Electric Properties and Sensing Chitosan Films with the Addition of PEOs (Polyethylene Oxide) as Air Humidity Sensors
Frequently Asked Questions
We have received many questions from readers regarding our study on increasing electric properties and sensing chitosan films with the addition of PEOs (polyethylene oxide) as air humidity sensors. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and our responses.
Q: What is the purpose of adding PEOs to chitosan films?
A: The purpose of adding PEOs to chitosan films is to improve their electric properties and sensing capabilities as air humidity sensors. PEOs increase the electrical conductivity of the chitosan films, making them more sensitive to changes in moisture levels.
Q: How does the addition of PEOs affect the electrical conductivity of chitosan films?
A: The addition of PEOs increases the electrical conductivity of chitosan films by increasing ion mobility and acting as a plasticizer, which helps increase the flexibility and endurance of the film.
Q: What is the optimal concentration of PEOs for improving the electric properties of chitosan films?
A: Our study shows that the optimal concentration of PEOs for improving the electric properties of chitosan films is 0.3% based on weight per volume.
Q: How does the addition of PEOs affect the sensing capabilities of chitosan films?
A: The addition of PEOs improves the sensing capabilities of chitosan films by increasing their sensitivity to changes in moisture levels. Our study shows that the sensor with a 0.3% PEO concentration has the highest sensitivity, reaching 5.34.
Q: What are the potential applications of chitosan films with PEOs as air humidity sensors?
A: The potential applications of chitosan films with PEOs as air humidity sensors include monitoring soil moisture levels in agriculture, monitoring humidity levels in food storage, and maintaining optimal indoor air quality and comfort in climate control systems.
Q: Are chitosan films with PEOs durable and easy to produce?
A: Yes, chitosan films with PEOs are durable and easy to produce. The Solution Casting method used in our study allows for high precision control of PEO concentration and makes the filmmaking process more efficient.
Q: Can chitosan films with PEOs be used in other applications besides air humidity sensing?
A: Yes, chitosan films with PEOs can be used in other applications besides air humidity sensing. Their potential applications include biosensors, chemical sensors, and optoelectronic devices.
Q: What are the advantages of using natural materials like chitosan and PEOs in sensor development?
A: The advantages of using natural materials like chitosan and PEOs in sensor development include sustainability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. These materials are also relatively inexpensive and easy to produce.
Q: What are the future directions for research on chitosan films with PEOs as air humidity sensors?
A: Future directions for research on chitosan films with PEOs as air humidity sensors include optimizing the concentration of PEOs and the filmmaking process to further improve the electric properties and sensing capabilities of the chitosan films. Additionally, the development of more complex sensor systems that can detect multiple parameters, such as temperature and humidity, can also be explored.