Abstract
Multifunctional electronics are attracting great interest with the increasing demand and fast development of wearable electronic devices. Here, we describe an epidermal strain sensor based on an all-carbon conductive network made from multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) impregnated with poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) matrix through a vacuum filtration process. An ultrasonication treatment was performed to complete the penetration of PDMS resin in seconds. The entangled and overlapped MWCNT network largely enhances the electrical conductivity (1430 S m-1), uniformity (remaining stable on different layers), reliable sensing range (up to 80% strain), and cyclic stability of the strain sensor. The homogeneous dispersion of MWCNTs within the PDMS matrix leads to a strong interaction between the two phases and greatly improves the mechanical stability (ca. 160% strain at fracture). The flexible, reversible and ultrathin (<100 μm) film can be directly attached on human skin as epidermal strain sensors for high accuracy and real-time human motion detection.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 355304 |
Journal | Nanotechnology |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 35 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 27 2018 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- carbon nanotube nanopaper
- high stretchability
- poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS)
- ultrasonication
- ultrathin strain sensor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Bioengineering
- Chemistry(all)
- Materials Science(all)
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering