Strain Sensor Applications Research Articles

Strain-Modulated Flexible Bio-Organic/Graphene/PET Sensors Based on DNA-Curcumin Biopolymer.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the development of metal-free, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective biopolymer-based piezoelectric strain sensors (bio-PSSs) for flexible applications. In this study, we have developed a bio-PSS based on pure deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and curcumin materials in a thin-film form and studied its strain-induced current-voltage characteristics based on piezoelectric phenomena. The bio-PSS exhibited flexibility under varying compressive and tensile loads. Notably, the sensor achieved a strain gauge factor of 407 at an applied compressive strain of -0.027%, which is 8.67 times greater than that of traditional metal strain gauges. Furthermore, the flexible bio-PSS demonstrated a rapid response under a compressive strain of -0.08%. Our findings suggest that the proposed flexible bio-PSS holds significant promise as a motion sensor, addressing the demand for environmentally safe, wearable, and flexible strain sensor applications.

Conductive polymer composites for resistive flexible strain sensors

The emergence of wearable devices has spurred demand for strain sensors that are flexible, stretchable, and sensitive. Traditional strain sensors often lack stretchability due to the brittle nature of their materials. Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) are well-suited for this application due to their excellent flexibility, stretchability, and sensitivity, making them the material of choice for strain sensors. Resistive strain sensors, a common type of CPCs-based sensor, are favored for their cost-effectiveness, straightforward manufacturing process, and ease of signal collection. This review explores the sensing mechanisms of various resistive strain sensors, including percolation, crack propagation, contact resistance change and tunneling effect. It examines the impact of different fabrication processes and structural designs on sensor performance parameters including sensitivity, stretchability, linearity, and repeatability. Additionally, the advantages and challenges of integrating discrete sensors into high-density strain sensor arrays are discussed. Finally, we introduce the wide-ranging applications of CPCs-based strain sensors in multiple fields.

Development of High-Sensitivity Thermoplastic Polyurethane/Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Strain Sensors through Solution Electrospinning Process Technique

In this study, nanofibers obtained through the electrospinning process are explored for strain-sensing applications. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) flexible structures were fabricated using the solution electrospinning process (SEP) technique. Subsequently, these structures were nanomodified with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) through immersion into an ultrasonicated suspension containing 0.3 wt% SWCNTs. The nanomodification aimed to impart an electrically conductive network to the structures. Micro-tensile tests and electrical resistance measurements were conducted to characterize the apparent mechanical and electrical properties, respectively. The fabricated structures demonstrated potential as wearable strain sensors for monitoring changes in strain across various applications. The samples exhibited excellent performance, high sensitivity, outstanding mechanical properties, and a broad stretching range. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations provided qualitative insights into the activated conductive pathways during operation.

Enhancing Multifunctionality and Performance Indicators of Resistive‐Type Strain Sensors with Advanced Conductive Hydrogels

AbstractHydrogels are excellent options for strain sensors as they can stretch, endure mechanical stress, and possess multifunctional qualities. Resistive sensors are particularly promising among the diverse hydrogel strain sensors available. This is attributed to their dedicated focus on improving the indicators of strain‐sensing performance, simplicity of equipment, straightforward sensing mechanisms, and easy design of conductive hydrogels. Various approaches have been explored to create conductive hydrogels, including conductive fillers, conductive polymers, and ionic approaches. This review thoroughly explores diverse approaches for developing advanced conductive hydrogels for resistive‐type hydrogel strain sensors. The focus is particularly on their electrical conductivity and sensing performance indicators, distinguishing them as valuable resources for researchers in the field of strain sensors. First, diverse approaches for achieving electrical conductivity in hydrogels are introduced. The subsequent discussion delves into the multifunctionality of these conductivity approaches for hydrogels. In addition, it also scrutinizes recent applications of strain sensors. Overall, it offers comprehensive updates on the performance indicators such as sensitivity, working range and linearity, response and recovery times, and hysteresis of strain sensors using diverse approaches to conductive hydrogels. This study also includes the latest trends and future perspectives of resistive‐type hydrogel strain sensors.

High-performance and frost-resistance MXene co-ionic liquid conductive hydrogel printed by electrohydrodynamic for flexible strain sensor

Conductive hydrogels with high performance and frost resistance are essential for flexible electronics, electronic skin, and soft robots. Nonetheless, the preparation of hydrogel-based flexible strain sensors with rapid response, wide strain detection range, and high sensitivity remains a considerable challenge. Furthermore, the inevitable freezing and evaporation of water in sub-zero temperatures and dry environments lead to the loss of flexibility and conductivity in hydrogels, which seriously limits their practical application. In this work, ionic liquids (ILs) and MXene are introduced into gelatin/polyacrylamide (PAM) precursor solution, and a PAM/gelatin/ILs/MXene/glycerol (PGIMG) hydrogel-based flexible strain sensor with MXene co-ILs ion–electron composite conductive network is prepared by combining the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing method and in-situ photopolymerization. The introduction of ILs provides an ionic conductive channel for the hydrogel. The introduction of MXene nanosheets forms an interpenetrating network with gelatin and PAM, which not only provides a conductive channel, but also improves the mechanical and sensing properties of the hydrogel-based flexible strain sensor. The prepared PGIMG hydrogel with the MXene co-ILs ion–electron composite conductive network demonstrates a tensile strength of 0.21 MPa at 602.82 % strain, the conductivity of 1.636 × 10−3 S/cm, high sensitivity (Gauge Factor, GF = 4.17), a wide strain detection range (1–600 %), and the response/recovery times (73 ms and 74 ms). In addition, glycerol endows the hydrogel with excellent freezing (−60 °C) and water retention properties. The application of the hydrogel-based flexible strain sensor in the field of human motion detection and information transmission shows the great potential of wearable devices, electronic skin, and information encryption transmission.

Contacting of Bicomponent TPU-Fibers with a Conductive Core: A Method for Data Acquisition and Analysis of the Electrical Properties

With the megatrend of digitalization, the demand for sensors in previously difficult-to-access scenarios is increasing. Filament-shaped sensors (FSS) are ideal for this demand, especially in applications in which the monitoring of textile structures is the focus. Electrically conductive bicomponent filaments based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and doped with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer great potential due to their flexible mechanical properties. Through the core-conducting, bicomponent structure, the sensing material is protected from environmental factors such as surrounding conductive materials and external moisture. The insulating material, however, simultaneously complicates the contacting method in order to measure sensing changes in the conductive core. In this work, laser cutting is employed as a technology in order to expose the conductive core of the filaments. The filament is then coated with silver and mechanically crimped, providing both a conductive interface for the data acquisition device as well as a protective layer. Laser parameters (power 20–100 W and speed 5–50 mm/s) are investigated to identify the parameters with the best cutting properties for which the filaments are analyzed visually and electrically. This work provides a robust and reproducible method for contacting core-conducting TPU filaments for strain-sensing applications. This study shows that while the choice of laser parameter influences the morphology of the cut surface, its impact on the resulting linear resistivity is negligible.

Highly Stretchable Double Network Ionogels for Monitoring Physiological Signals and Detecting Sign Language.

At the heart of the non-implantable electronic revolution lies ionogels, which are remarkably conductive, thermally stable, and even antimicrobial materials. Yet, their potential has been hindered by poor mechanical properties. Herein, a double network (DN) ionogel crafted from 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Emim]Cl), acrylamide (AM), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was constructed. Tensile strength, fracture elongation, and conductivity can be adjusted across a wide range, enabling researchers to fabricate the material to meet specific needs. With adjustable mechanical properties, such as tensile strength (0.06-5.30 MPa) and fracture elongation (363-1373%), this ionogel possesses both robustness and flexibility. This ionogel exhibits a bi-modal response to temperature and strain, making it an ideal candidate for strain sensor applications. It also functions as a flexible strain sensor that can detect physiological signals in real time, opening doors to personalized health monitoring and disease management. Moreover, these gels' ability to decode the intricate movements of sign language paves the way for improved communication accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This DN ionogel lays the foundation for a future in which e-skins and wearable sensors will seamlessly integrate into our lives, revolutionizing healthcare, human-machine interaction, and beyond.

Bioinspired Potentiometric and Passive Strain Sensing Based on Mechanical Regulation of Ionically Conductive Percolating Networks

AbstractFlexible strain sensors are essential components for wearable devices, human‐machine interaction systems, and intelligent soft robots. Current active strain sensors have high power consumption, while passive strain sensors exhibit limitations in detecting static or slowly‐varying stimulations. Here, inspired by the strain sensing behavior of Ruffini endings in natural skin, a new type of potentiometric, fully passive, and highly stretchable strain sensors are presented based on the mechanical regulation of ionically conductive percolating networks. Specifically, an artificial potential difference is first created with two electrochemical active electrodes, followed by encoding external strain stimulations into the potential difference variations using a new class of highly elastic and ionically conductive composites with configurable ionic percolating networks. Based on the proposed passive strain sensing mechanism, both static and slowly‐varying strain stimulations (up to 100%) can be monitored with ultralow power consumption (at nW level). Promising applications of the passive strain sensors in human motion monitoring, Morse code communication, and hand gesture recognition are demonstrated. This work opens up a new avenue to constructing novel strain sensing devices with high stretchability, ultralow power consumption, and desirable sensing performance.

Chitosan-based electroconductive inks without chemical reaction for cost-effective and versatile 3D printing for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and strain-sensing applications

The burgeoning interest in biopolymer 3D printing arises from its capacity to meticulously engineer tailored, intricate structures, driven by the intrinsic benefits of biopolymers—renewability, chemical functionality, and biosafety. Nevertheless, the accessibility of economical and versatile 3D-printable biopolymer-based inks remains highly constrained. This study introduces an electroconductive ink for direct-ink-writing (DIW) 3D printing, distinguished by its straightforward preparation and commendable printability and material properties. The ink relies on chitosan as a binder, carbon fibers (CF) a low-cost electroactive filler, and silk fibroin (SF) a structural stabilizer. Freeform 3D printing manifests designated patterns of electroconductive strips embedded in an elastomer, actualizing effective strain sensors. The ink's high printability is demonstrated by printing complex geometries with porous, hollow, and overhanging structures without chemical or photoinitiated reactions or support baths. The composite is lightweight (density 0.29 ± 0.01 g/cm3), electroconductive (2.64 ± 0.06 S/cm), and inexpensive (20 USD/kg), with tensile strength of 20.77 ± 0.60 MPa and Young's modulus of 3.92 ± 0.06 GPa. 3D-printed structures exhibited outstanding electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of 30–31 dB, with shielding of >99.9 % incident electromagnetic waves, showcasing significant electronic application potential. Thus, this study presents a novel, easily prepared, and highly effective biopolymer-based ink poised to advance the landscape of 3D printing technologies.

Molecular Ferroelastic Induced by Mono‐/Double‐Protonation Strategy

Comprehensive SummaryMolecular ferroelastics with the natural features of mechanical flexibility and switchable spontaneous strain have attracted widespread attention in the scientific community due to their potential applications in tunable gratings, flexible memorizers, strain sensors, and intelligent actuators. However, most designs of molecular ferroelastics remain in the stage of blind exploration, posing a challenge to achieve a functional ferroelastic more effectively. Herein, we have successfully obtained a molecular ferroelastic, [Me2NH(CH2)2NH3](ReO4)2 (Me2NH(CH2)2NH3 = N,N‐dimethylethylenediammonium), under the guidance of the mono‐/double‐protonation strategy. The double‐protonated [Me2NH(CH2)2NH3](ReO4)2 undergoes a paraelastic‐ferroelastic phase transition with the Aizu notation of 2/mF at 322 K. Meanwhile, the theoretical calculation and experimental measurement simultaneously show that [Me2NH(CH2)2NH3](ReO4)2 possesses good mechanical flexibility, because its elastic modulus (E) of 8.26 GPa and hardness (H) of 0.45 GPa are smaller than the average values of organic crystals (E of 12.05 GPa and H of 0.5 GPa), which makes it promising to apply in wearable pressure sensors, implantable medical sensors, high‐precision tuners, etc. This work further enriches the molecular ferroelastic family and demonstrates that mono‐/double‐protonation is one of the effective molecular modification strategies for designing ferroelastics.

Enhanced Performance of Epoxidized Natural Rubber Nanocomposites for Strain Sensor Application

In this study, the major objective was to investigate the mechanical and electrical properties, and strain sensibility of the carbon nanotube (CNT) filled epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) nanocomposite. The second filler, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), at various proportions was incorporated into the CNT-filled ENR nanocomposites. The preparation of ENR nanocomposite was carried out using a latex mixing process. The CNT:CNF hybrid filler was pre-dispersed in deionized water before being added to the ENR latex. The ratios of CNTs to CNFs varied from 1:0 to 1:0.05, 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.25, and 1:1.5. Although the presence of CNFs enhanced the stiffness of the substance, its negative effect on the tensile strength was noted. From the evaluated electrical properties, the outcomes demonstrated that the presence of CNFs with suitable proportions can have a positive effect on the performance of the substance when used as a stain-sensitive substance. The electrical conductivity of the hybrid ENR nanocomposite initially increased with the increase of CNF proportion up to 0.5. Beyond this proportion, the conductivity declined gradually. Moreover, the CNT:CNF1:0.5 filled ENR nanocomposite had the highest recoverable piezoresistive property. From this finding, it can be inferred that the CNT:CNF1:0.5 filled ENR nanocomposite is suitable to be used as a strain sensor device.

A flexible PTI-CNT strain sensor with high stretchable and sensitive for human movement and vocal cord vibration monitoring

Flexible strain sensors possess significant application potential in wearable electronics, as they enable the monitoring of physical signals from extensive human movements and subtle motions. Despite the increasing demand for conductive and elastic materials in strain-sensing applications for wearable electronic devices, attaining exceptional and balanced mechanical performance while maintaining high conductivity remains challenging. In this work, we developed a novel polyurethane elastomer sensor material (referred to as PTI-CNTs) composed of polycaprolactone triol (PCT-L), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The elongation at break of the PTI-CNTs3% material can reach 866.70%, representing a 44.00% increase compared to pure PTI. The PTI-CNTs3% sensors exhibited high sensitivity (GF = 23.12) and excellent stability (with the cycle stretching time exceeding 5000 s). The flexible sensors displayed a satisfactory response time of 300 ms, enabling the detection of extensive human movements, including bending of the finger, wrist, elbow, knee, and ankle, as well as subtle motions like swallowing and phonation. Due to the easy and economical fabrication process, high sensitivity, and good reversibility of PTI-CNTs3% sensors, they have great potential for use in wearable health monitoring devices applications.

Neural Network‐Inspired Polyurea Ionogel with Mechanical Robustness, Low Hysteresis, and High Transparency for Soft Iontronics

AbstractConcurrently achieving mechanical robustness, low hysteresis, and high transparency are essential for ionogels to enhance their reliability and satisfy the requirements in soft electronics. Fabricating ionogels comprising these characteristics presents a considerable challenge. Herein, inspired by the structure of neural networks, a new strategy for in situ formation of dense urea moieties aggregated domains is proposed to achieve topology‐tailoring polyurea ionogels. Initially, leveraging the pronounced disparity in reactivity of the isocyanate (─NCO) groups between isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and NCO‐terminated prepolymer (PPGTD), IPDI preferentially reacts with deblocked trifunctional latent curing agents, resulting in the formation of dense urea moieties aggregated domains. Thereafter, these domains are interconnected via PPGTD to establish polymer networks in which the ionic liquid is uniformly dispersed, forming neural networks like ionogels. Attributed to this unique design strategy, the polyurea ionogel demonstrates remarkable properties, including high strength (0.6–2.4 MPa), excellent toughness (0.9–4.3 MJ m−3), low hysteresis (6.6–11.6%), high transparency (>92%), along with enhanced fatigue and puncture resistance. Furthermore, the polyurea ionogels exhibit outstanding versatility, enabling their in strain sensors, flexible electroluminescence devices, and nanogenerators. This strategy contributes to the design of ionogels with unparalleled combinatory properties, catering to the diverse demands of soft iontronics.

Pursuing Superhydrophobic Flexible Strain Sensors: From Design to Applications

AbstractFlexible strain sensors are being increasingly applied as wearable electronic materials owing to their functional characteristics (e.g., light weight, stretchability, wearability), which highlight their enormous potential in health monitoring and medical care. However, challenges related to signal distortion and corrosion risks arise when they are used under extreme or harsh conditions. Superhydrophobic flexible strain sensors combine the water‐repellent, anticorrosion, and anti‐fouling features of the superhydrophobic coating with the high ductility and high sensitivity of the flexible strain sensor, thereby broadening the application scope of strain sensors, especially for underwater wearable sensing. However, the underwater sensing applications of superhydrophobic flexible strain sensors have not yet been thoroughly summarized. This review presents the key performance parameters and design strategies of superhydrophobic flexible strain sensors, with an emphasis on the diverse applications for underwater sensing.

Cellulose nanocrystals boosted hydrophobically associated self-healable conductive hydrogels for the application of strain sensors and electronic devices

Currently, hydrogel-based flexible devices become hot areas for scientists in the field of electronic devices, artificial intelligence, human motion detection, and electronic skin. These devices show responses to external stimuli (mechanical signals) and convert them into electrical signals (resistance, current, and voltage). However, the applications of the hydrogel-based sensor are hampered due to low mechanical properties, high time response, low fatigue resistance, low self-healing nature, and low sensing range. Herein, a strain sensing conductive hydrogel constructed from the CNCs (cellulose nanocrystal) reinforced, in which acrylamide and butyl acrylate work as hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers respectively. The incorporation of CNCs in the polymeric system has a direct effect on their mechanical properties. The hydrogel having a high amount of CNCs (C4), its fracture stress and fracture strain reached 371.2 kPa and 2108 % respectively as well as self-healing of C4 hydrogel Broke at 499 % strain and bore 197 kPa stress. The elastic behavior of the hydrogels was confirmed by the rheological parameter frequency sweep and strain amplitude. Besides this our designed hydrogel shows an excellent response to deformation with conductivity 420 mS m−1, shows response to small strain (10 %) and large (400 %) strain, and has excellent anti-fatigue resistance with continuous stretching for 700 s at 300 % strain, with 140 msec response time, and gauge factor 7.4 at 750 % strain. The C4 hydrogel can also work as electronic skin when it is applied to different joints like the finger, elbow, neck, etc. The prepared hydrogel can also work as an electronic pen when it is worn to a plastic pen cover.

Highly Stretchable, Fast Self-Healing, Self-Adhesive, and Strain-Sensitive Wearable Sensor Based on Ionic Conductive Hydrogels.

Conductive hydrogels integrate the conductive performance and soft nature, which is like that of human skin. Thus, they are more suitable for the preparation of wearable human-motion sensors. Nevertheless, the integration of outstanding multiple functionalities, such as stretchability, toughness, biocompatibility, self-healing, adhesion, strain sensitivity, and durability, by a simple way is still a huge challenge. Herein, we have developed a multifunctional chitosan/oxidized hyaluronic acid/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/poly(acrylic acid)/tannic acid/Al3+ hydrogel (CS/OHA/HPMC/PAA/TA/Al3+) by using a two-step method with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), acrylic acid (AA), tannic acid (TA), chitosan (CS), oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA), and aluminum chloride hexahydrate (AlCl3·6H2O). Due to the synergistic effect of dynamic imine bonds between CS and OHA, dynamic metal coordination bonds between Al3+ and -COOH and/or TA as well as reversible hydrogen, the hydrogel showed excellent tensile property (elongation at break of 3168%) and desirable toughness (0.79 MJ/m3). The mechanical self-healing efficiency can reach 95.5% at 30 min, and the conductivity can recover in 5.2 s at room temperature without stimulation. The favorable attribute of high transparency (98.5% transmittance) facilitates the transmission of the optical signal and enables visualization of the sensor. It also shows good adhesiveness to various materials and is easy to peel off without residue. The resistance of the hydrogel-based sensors shows good electrical conductivity (2.33 S m-1), good durability, high sensing sensitivity (GF value of 4.12 under 1600% strain), low detection limit (less than 1%), and short response/recovery time (0.54/0.31 s). It adhered to human skin and monitored human movements such as the bending movements of joints, swallowing, and speaking successfully. Therefore, the obtained multifunctional conductive hydrogel has great potential applications in wearable strain sensors.

Ionic Conductive Cellulose-Based Hydrogels with Superior Long-Lasting Moisture and Antifreezing Features for Flexible Strain Sensor Applications.

Nowadays, wearable devices derived from flexible conductive hydrogels have attracted enormous attention. Nevertheless, the utilization of conductive hydrogels in practical applications under extreme conditions remains a significant challenge. Herein, a series of inorganic salt-ion-enhanced conductive hydrogels (HPE-LiCl) consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl acrylate, lithium chloride, and ethylene glycol/water binary solvent were fabricated via a facile one-pot method. Apart from outstanding self-adhesion, high stretchability, and remarkable fatigue resistance, the HPE-LiCl hydrogels possessed especially excellent antifreezing and long-lasting moisture performances, which could maintain satisfactory flexibility and electric conductivity over extended periods of time, even in challenging conditions such as extremely low temperatures (as low as -40 °C) and high temperatures (as high as 80 °C). Consequently, the HPE-LiCl-based sensor could timely and accurately monitor various human motion signals even in adverse environments and after long-term storage. Hence, this work presents a facile strategy for the design of long-term reliable hydrogels as smart strain sensors, especially used in extreme environments.

Polyionic liquid ionogels formed via hydrophobic association for flexible strain sensors

A series of self-healing polyionic liquid ionogels based on hydrophobic association were designed and fabricated for application in strain sensors.

Investigating the Spectral Response of Fiber Bragg Grating for Strain Sensor Applications

Abstract: The optical fibre sensor (OFS) has become quite well-known and prominent in the sensor technology industry. It is often used to react to outputs from other systems, like those in industrial, monitoring, and chemical analysis applications, and to detect changes in the environment. A Bragg reflector starts to grow and transmit all other wavelengths while a short section of optical fibre with a specific wavelength is reflected with light in a device called a Fibre Bragg Grating. The current study focuses on the evolving characteristics and behaviours of strain and temperature sensors operating on Fibre Bragg Gratings (FBG) through software modelling. This work's primary goal is to investigate the characteristics and behaviour of strain sensor that are used with fibre bragg gratings. A strain sensor can be used to determine the strain in an object whose resistance changes when force is applied.

Enhancing the Toughness of PAA/LCNF/SA Hydrogel through Double-Network Crosslinking for Strain Sensor Application.

Lignin-containing nanocellulose fibers (LCNF) have been considered as a valuable enhancer for polyacrylic acid (PAA)-based hydrogels that can form rigid porous network structures and provide abundant polar groups. However, the PAA-LCNF hydrogel is dominated by a single-network (SN) structure, which shows certain limitations when encountering external environments with high loads and large deformations. In this paper, sodium alginate (SA) was introduced into the PAA-LCNF hydrogel network to prepare a double-network (DN) hydrogel structure of the SA-Ca2+ and PAA-LCNF through a two-step process. The covalent network of PAA-LCNF acts as the resilient framework of the hydrogel, while the calcium bridging networks of SA, along with the robust hydrogen bonding network within the system, function as sacrificial bonds that dissipate energy and facilitate stress transfer. The resulting hydrogel has porous morphologies. Results show that SA can effectively improve the mechanical properties of DN hydrogels and endow them with excellent thermal stability and electrical conductivity. Compared with pure PAA-LCNF hydrogel, the elongation at break of DN hydrogel increased from 3466% to 5607%. The good electrical conductivity makes it possible to use the flexible sensors based on DN hydrogel to measure electrophysiological signals. Our results can provide a reference for developing multifunctional hydrogels that can withstand ultra large deformation.