Abstract
In recent times, polymer-based flexible pressure sensors have been attracting a lot of attention because of their various applications. A highly sensitive and flexible sensor is suggested, capable of being attached to the human body, based on a three-dimensional dielectric elastomeric structure of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and microsphere composite. This sensor has maximal porosity due to macropores created by sacrificial layer grains and micropores generated by microspheres pre-mixed with PDMS, allowing it to operate at a wider pressure range (~150 kPa) while maintaining a sensitivity (of 0.124 kPa−1 in a range of 0~15 kPa) better than in previous studies. The maximized pores can cause deformation in the structure, allowing for the detection of small changes in pressure. In addition to exhibiting a fast rise time (~167 ms) and fall time (~117 ms), as well as excellent reproducibility, the fabricated pressure sensor exhibits reliability in its response to repeated mechanical stimuli (2.5 kPa, 1000 cycles). As an application, we develop a wearable device for monitoring repeated tiny motions, such as the pulse on the human neck and swallowing at the Adam’s apple. This sensory device is also used to detect movements in the index finger and to monitor an insole system in real-time.
Highlights
Polymer-based flexible pressure sensors have been attracting attention due to their applications in electronic skin [1,2], flexible touch display [3], health care [4,5,6,7], and human–machine interfaces to facilitate human functionalities [8]
We developed a flexible and highly sensitive pressure sensor based on a microporous structure without altering the material of the elastomer by maximizing porosity using microsphere (MS)
A sugar cube was placed onto a Petri dish, and the PDMS and MS mixture were poured into the Petri dish
Summary
Polymer-based flexible pressure sensors have been attracting attention due to their applications in electronic skin [1,2], flexible touch display [3], health care [4,5,6,7], and human–machine interfaces to facilitate human functionalities [8]. The sensors are required to exhibit high sensitivity, low power consumption, and a wide range of operating pressure—from soft touches (i.e., 0–10 kPa considered as the low-pressure range) to object handling (i.e., 10–100 kPa considered as the medium-pressure range). Capacitive-based sensors have several advantages, including a simple design, stable signals, high reproducibility, and low hysteresis [14]. These sensors perceive the magnitude of pressure by a changed capacitance value that increases or decreases inversely as the distance between the two parallel sensing electrodes changes due to external pressure.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
