Paper-based wearable ultra-sensitive strain sensors for fitness monitoring

Abstract

Emerging technologies that exhibit features of biodegradability and eco-friendliness are potential game changers. Paper is a cost-effective and easily available material that has proved itself a promising candidate for manufacturing strain sensors due to its easy integration into flexible electronics. In this work, an ultra-sensitive and highly stable strain sensor is presented. Easily available materials are used for sensors development and very easy and simple fabrication. The modified interdigital capacitor structure is fabricated on a simple printing paper, whereas copper tape is used as an electrode material. In the anticipated work, the milestones of high sensitivity, durability, and fast response time are achieved. The proposed flexible strain sensor is eco-friendly, bio-degradable, inexpensive, and responds well to applied strain. The proposed work exhibits a fast response time of 0.56 s. The high gauge factor value of 3040.26 and stability up to 5000 cycles. The proposed prototype has been also implemented on the human body for monitoring physical activities and fitness exercises. The proposed strain sensor is an outstandingly good option for assimilation into wearable systems like remote healthcare systems, electromechanical sensing, and human physical monitoring.