Composite Janus film based on the synergistic interactions of π-π stacking and dynamic covalent bond toward direction recognition sensing

Abstract

Although flexible strain sensors have made important advancements recently, most of them are unable to recognize the direction of motion, which greatly limits their application in fields such as human-machine interaction. This paper presents the fabrication of a bilayer asymmetric composite film that exhibits Janus dual-sided characteristics and interfacial properties. Specifically, the two sides possess different chemical compositions and surface features. The strong π-π stacking interaction between carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and pyrene enables a tight coating on the surface of poly(glycidyl propyl urethane) (PGPU), resulting in excellent sensing capabilities and electromagnetic shielding properties for the composite material. This composite film can effectively monitor the amplitude and direction of motion. Firstly, pyrene-grafted polyurethane (PGPU) was synthesized including on dynamic covalent bonds. The tensile strength of different samples can reach up to 19.69 MPa, and the strain at break is up to 501.95 %. Furthermore, PGPU/CNTs conductive composite films were fabricated by spray-coating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) onto PGPU, and the pyrene units in PGPU can effectively interact with CNTs via π-π stacking, ensuring that stable adhesion of CNTs layer during long-term usage. Due to the dynamic covalent bonds and hydrogen bonds inside PGPU, PGPU and PGPU/CNTs both exhibit well-performed self-healing capability. Notably, the Janus structure of PGPU/CNTs can adjust the positive and negative values of relative resistance based on stretchable and compressive status of CNTs layer. Thus, PGPU/CNTs are directionally sensitive and self-healing flexible wearable sensor, which might apply in human-machine interaction field.