Direct-Write Stretchable Sensors Using Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Polymer Matrix

Abstract

There have been increasing demands and interests in stretchable sensors with the development of flexible or stretchable conductive materials. These sensors can be used for detecting large strain, 3D deformation, and a free-form shape. In this work, a stretchable conductive sensor has been developed using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and monofunctional acrylate monomers (cyclic trimethylolpropane formal acrylate and acrylate ester). The suggested sensors have been fabricated using a screw-driven microdispensing direct-write (DW) technology. To demonstrate the capabilities of the DW system, effects of dispensing parameters such as the feed rate and material flow rate on created line widths were investigated. Finally, a stretchable conductive sensor was fabricated using proper dispensing parameters, and an experiment for stretchability and resistance change was accomplished. The result showed that the sensor had a large strain range up to 90% with a linear resistance change and gauge factor ∼2.7. Based on the results, it is expected that the suggested DW stretchable sensor can be used in many application areas such as wearable electronics, tactile sensors, 3D structural electronics, etc.