Highly sensitive strain sensor using silver nanowire/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): Polystyrene sulfonate coated natural rubber

Abstract

AbstractStretchable strain sensors have attracted much attention for health monitoring systems, human‐machine interfaces, and robotics. However, there is still a challenge to develop strain sensors with excellent mechanical stretchability and high strain‐sensing region as well as cost‐effective fabrication process. Herein, a highly sensitive, reliable and low‐cost strain sensors are developed using a resistive transduction of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and silver nanowire (Ag NW). Natural rubber was used as a stretchable substrate material, and a gold leaf was used as electrodes placed between PEDOT:PSS and Ag NW. The electrical resistance of this novel strain sensor shows an average value of 74.72 ± 14.65 Ω with a large sensing range up to 50% strain and sensing sensitivity of 418. The sensing response does not deteriorate after 750 stretching‐releasing cycles and the sensor exhibits high stability after storage in air for more than 53 days. Concerning finger and joint movement, the wearable strain sensor demonstrates a stable output signal and distinguishes response under different bending and stretching. These advantages make it potential applications in wearable electronic devices and promising development in healthcare management.