Abstract
In this work, new highly sensitive graphene-based flexible strain sensors are produced. In particular, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanocomposite films filled with different amounts of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are produced and their application as wearable sensors for strain and movement detection is assessed. The produced nanocomposite films are morphologically characterized and their waterproofness, electrical and mechanical properties are measured. Furthermore, their electromechanical features are investigated, under both stationary and dynamic conditions. In particular, the strain sensors show a consistent and reproducible response to the applied deformation and a Gauge factor around 30 is measured for the 1% wt loaded PVDF/GNP nanocomposite film when a deformation of 1.5% is applied. The produced specimens are then integrated in commercial gloves, in order to realize sensorized gloves able to detect even small proximal interphalangeal joint movements of the index finger.
Highlights
Nowadays, sensors are becoming increasingly important and their market is growing exponentially [1]
When graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are added to the polymer, the films exhibit a marked decrease in porosity, as compared to the unfilled neat polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
New highly sensitive flexible strain sensors made of PVDF nanocomposite films loaded with GNPs are developed
Summary
Sensors are becoming increasingly important and their market is growing exponentially [1]. Sensors are central to industrial and civil applications, being used for process and structural health monitoring and wearable devices [2]. They play a key role in medical practice for diagnostics, critical care, human movement detection, and human-robot interaction [3,4]. One of the major challenges is the development of cost effective, lightweight, and comfortable smart gloves, i.e., hightech wearable devices able to detect various hand gestures, including fingers bending [5]. Strain sensors-based on the use of electrically conductive polymer composites have attracted great interest due to their light weight, flexibility, easy processing, and cost effectiveness [8]
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