Abstract
Technological advancements in the field of flexible and printed electronics are creating a need for large‐area sensors that can be embedded over different types of surfaces. Such sensors can be used to monitor physical signals over flexible, curved, or soft devices. Hence, it is herein proposed, a formulation to produce piezoresistive multiwalled carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane (MWCNT/PDMS) composites with tunable electric properties for pressure sensing purposes. The composite is obtained through few manufacturing steps, avoiding the use of hazardous solvents. Different weight percentages of MWCNT dispersed in PDMS are evaluated and the results evidence that using 3.0 wt% of infill is sufficient to obtain highly sensitive sensors. To enhance the dispersion of the MWCNT and add microstructure to the composite, a system composed of a surfactant and foaming agent is used. Finally, pressure sensing units and arrays are printed and tested. The sensors present fast response, low hysteresis, repeatability, and a sensing range of 0–160 kPa. The composite is more sensitive to lower pressure and a maximum sensitivity of 8.0% kPa−1 is achieved for porous composites at pressure <10 kPa. Thanks to these characteristics, the sensors are successfully used in the development of a pressure sensing array and heartbeat sensor for proof of concept.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.