Graphene foam – polymer based electronic skin for flexible tactile sensor

Abstract

Graphene foam (GF) infiltrated with polymer attracts researchers toward practical pressure sensing applications, especially tactile sensors. However, interface between polymer and graphene plays a vital role under a specific type and amount of pressure. Herein, we have investigated the impact of static and dynamic pressure upon GF-polymer. A recovery time of ∼ 0.1 s is detected during static pressure sensing. Unlike static pressure, GF-polymer samples are highly sensitive to dynamic load, and a quick recovery time ∼ 0.06 s is detected. The sensitivity of the dynamic pressure sensor ∼ 1.17 ± 0.1 Pa−1 is almost double compares to the sensitivity of the static pressure sensor ∼ 2.1 ± 0.3 Pa−1. Technologically, tactile sensors exert pressure in different forms and GF-polymer is an excellent choice for forming a pressure sensor. The present study will help develop efficient tactile sensors.