A resistive-type humidity sensor using composite films prepared from poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonate) and dispersed organic silicon sol

A composite material of dispersed organic silicon sol and poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonate) (poly-AMPS) was used to make humidity sensor without protective film or complicated chemical procedures. The organic silicon sol was dispersed well in the poly-AMPS without using dispersion agent. Parameters that may affect the water-resistive but humidity-sensitive characteristic of composite material, the adding amount of organic silicon sol solution and the film of thermal treatment time, were investigated. The microstructure of the material was analyzed, and the humidity sensing and electrical properties of the sensor were measured. The sensor well responded to humidity with a relatively good linearity, though it depended on the applied frequency. The temperature influence between 15 and 35 °C was within ?0.17 % relative humidity (RH)/°C in the range of 30–90% RH. The activation energy was maximum around 40% RH. The sensor showed the hysteresis within 5.9%, fast response time, long-term stability (75 days at least) and satisfactory resistance to high humidity atmosphere (97% RH) and chemical environment (20% C₂H₅OH vapor). Analyzing the structure and complex impedance plots of organic silicon sol/poly-AMPS was used to explain improvement in humidity sensing properties in comparison with nano-sized SiO₂ powder/poly-AMPS films.