Abstract
In this work, we report a class of wearable, stitchable, and sensitive carbon nanofiber (CNF)-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite-based piezoresistive sensors realized by carbonizing electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers and subsequently embedding in PDMS elastomeric thin films. Electro-mechanical tactile sensing characterization of the resulting piezoresistive strain sensors revealed a linear response with an average force sensitivity of ~1.82 kN−1 for normal forces up to 20 N. The real-time functionality of the CNF-PDMS composite sensors in wearable body sensor networks and advanced bionic skin applications was demonstrated through human motion and gesture monitoring experiments. A skin-inspired artificial soft sensor capable of demonstrating proprioceptive and tactile sensory perception utilizing CNF bundles has been shown. Furthermore, a 16-point pressure-sensitive flexible sensor array mimicking slow adapting low threshold mechanoreceptors of glabrous skin was demonstrated. Such devices in tandem with neuromorphic circuits can potentially recreate the sense of touch in robotic arms and restore somatosensory perception in amputees.
Highlights
With the recent rapid progress in wearable electronic sensor technology real-time human motion monitoring, sensorized prosthetics, active patient biofeedback, and advanced bionic skins are becoming a reality
The freestanding carbon nanofiber (CNF) bundles were studied employing in our previous work), explains the piezoresistivity observed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to understand their individual isolated CNFs38,40
In conclusion, this work demonstrates the applicability of electrospun CNF bundles as sensitive, flexible, and linear yet inexpensive piezoresistive sensing element in developing apparel integrable sensors for wearable human motion monitoring and tactile sensing applications
Summary
With the recent rapid progress in wearable electronic sensor technology real-time human motion monitoring, sensorized prosthetics, active patient biofeedback, and advanced bionic skins are becoming a reality. The nanomaterial fillers are dispersed in suitable solvents and fabricated CNF-PDMS strain and tactile sensors were characterized deposited in the polymer substrate by patterning or dip-coating for quasi-static pressure stimuli response. To demonstrate the vibration sensing property of the glabrous skin enabled by the Pacinian corpuscles, the pressure sensor responses were characterized for a series of oscillatory tactile pressure stimuli in the range ~10–610 Hz. To demonstrate the versatility of the proposed fabrication method and their potential for apparel integrability, various configurations of devices including a pressure sensor, a strain sensor, a 16-point pressure-sensitive, flexible sensor array, a stitchable strain sensor, and a gesture-tracking smart glove were demonstrated. We propose a facile method of developing a highly stretchable and ultralightweight skin-like CNF-PDMS compositebased strain/tactile sensors tailored for human motion monitoring applications. The freestanding CNF bundles were studied employing in our previous work), explains the piezoresistivity observed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to understand their individual isolated CNFs38,40
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
