In recent years, multi-functional flexible sensing fibers capable of detecting various physical and chemical stimuli capabilities have made significant advancements. However, the cross-sensitivity of the sensing materials to other stimuli can considerably reduce their sensitivity and accuracy of these multifunctional fibers. In this study, we initially fabricated a blending type (BAF) and a core-sheath type (CAF) strain-sensing aerogel fiber using an optimized one-step wet spinning process. Then, we coated the aerogel fiber with cholesteric liquid crystal as the middle layer and waterborne polyurethane as the outer layer to obtain a temperature-sensitive/strain-sensing aerogel fiber (TSAF). TSAF demonstrates distinct multi-model strain sensing performance, enabling the detection of tensile strains (0.1–111.5 %), bending strains (40°–160°), and compression strains. Moreover, within the ultra-narrow temperature range of 34 °C–38 °C, TSAF undergoes reversible color transformations from yellow-green-blue-purple, against both bright and dark backgrounds. This unique feature offered high sensitivity, rapid response time, and diverse color variations. By integrating fibers into clothing, a collaborative sensing system can be established to simultaneously monitor human physiology and movement information. These advancements hold significant potential for applications in smart clothing, medical care, and other fields.
Read full abstract