Highly stretchable, wide linear responsive, and sensitive flexible strain sensor based on elastic bandage/carbon nanotubes

Abstract

With the recent development in wearable electronics, flexible strain sensors have gained extensive attention. However, the main challenge is integrating a wider linear range and lower minimum strain monitoring limit while maintaining a wide strain detection range and high sensitivity. A high-performance flexible strain sensor is prepared by combining the unique structure of elastic bandage with CNTs' conductive network. The electrostatic deposition of CNTs regulates the conductive network structure, optimizing the sensors’ electrical and sensing performance. The proposed sensor with three CNTs deposition integrates high sensitivity (maximum gauge factor (GF) of 1696), low minimum strain monitoring limit (0.1%), wide strain detection range (up to 320%), and linear response range (0.1–82.2%). Moreover, the sensor demonstrates strain and frequency monitoring ability, fast response time (42 ms), excellent stability, and durability (2000 cycles). The sensors’ exceptional performance is widely used in human activity monitoring, information transmission, and pipelines.