scholarly journals Transparent, Conductive Hydrogels with High Mechanical Strength and Toughness

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2004
Author(s):  
Xiuru Xu ◽  
Chubin He ◽  
Feng Luo ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
Zhengchun Peng
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Strength ◽  
Body Surface ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Light Transmittance ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Strain Sensing ◽  
Breaking Strain ◽  
Conductive Hydrogels ◽  
Strength And Toughness

Transparent, conductive hydrogels with good mechanical strength and toughness are in great demand of the fields of biomedical and future wearable smart electronics. We reported a carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)–calcium chloride (CaCl2)/polyacrylamide (PAAm)/poly(N-methylol acrylamide (PNMA) transparent, tough and conductive hydrogel containing a bi-physical crosslinking network through in situ free radical polymerization. It showed excellent light transmittance (>90%), excellent toughness (10.72 MJ/m3), good tensile strength (at break, 2.65 MPa), breaking strain (707%), and high elastic modulus (0.30 MPa). The strain sensing performance is found with high sensitivity (maximum gauge factor 9.18, 0.5% detection limit), wide strain response range, fast response and recovery time, nearly zero hysteresis and good repeatability. This study extends the transparent, tough, conductive hydrogels to provide body-surface wearable devices that can accurately and repeatedly monitor the movement of body joints, including the movements of wrists, elbows and knee joints. This study provided a broad development potential for tough, transparent and conductive hydrogels as body-surface intelligent health monitoring systems and implantable soft electronics.

scholarly journals Robust Conductive Hydrogels with Ultrafast Self-Recovery and Nearly Zero Response Hysteresis for Epidermal Sensors

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1854
Author(s):  
Xiuru Xu ◽  
Chubin He ◽  
Feng Luo ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
Zhengchun Peng
Keyword(s):  
Guar Gum ◽  
Strain Range ◽  
Sio2 Nanoparticles ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Hydroxypropyl Guar ◽  
Stable Chemical ◽  
Conductive Hydrogel ◽  
Conductive Hydrogels

Robust conductive hydrogels are in great demand for the practical applications of smart soft robots, epidermal electronics, and human–machine interactions. We successfully prepared nanoparticles enhanced polyacrylamide/hydroxypropyl guar gum/acryloyl-grafted chitosan quaternary ammonium salt/calcium ions/SiO2 nanoparticles (PHC/Ca2+/SiO2 NPs) conductive hydrogels. Owing to the stable chemical and physical hybrid crosslinking networks and reversible non-covalent interactions, the PHC/Ca2+/SiO2 NPs conductive hydrogel showed good conductivity (~3.39 S/m), excellent toughness (6.71 MJ/m3), high stretchability (2256%), fast self-recovery (80% within 10 s, and 100% within 30 s), and good fatigue resistance. The maximum gauge factor as high as 66.99 was obtained, with a wide detectable strain range (from 0.25% to 500% strain), the fast response (25.00 ms) and recovery time (86.12 ms), excellent negligible response hysteresis, and good response stability. The applications of monitoring the human’s body movements were demonstrated, such as wrist bending and pulse tracking.

Conductive PVDF-HFP/CNT composites for strain sensing

2016 ◽  
Vol 09 (02) ◽  
pp. 1650024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Hu ◽  
Yaolu Liu ◽  
Ning Hu ◽  
Liangke Wu ◽  
Huiming Ning ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Vinylidene Fluoride ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Tunneling Effect ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Metal Foil ◽  
Strain Sensing ◽  
Good Dispersion ◽  
Dispersion State ◽  
Addition Amount

A strain sensor based on the composites of poly (vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) filled by multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) was prepared using a proposed fabrication process. Three kinds of MWNT loadings, i.e., 1.0[Formula: see text]wt.%, 2.0[Formula: see text]wt.% and 3.0[Formula: see text]wt.% were employed. Due to good dispersion state of MWNT in PVDF-HFP matrix, which was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), this sensor was found to be of high sensitivity and stable performance. The sensor’s piezoresistivity varied in a weak nonlinear pattern, which was probably caused by the tunneling effect among neighboring MWNTs. The gauge factor of the sensor of 1.0[Formula: see text]wt.% MWNT loading was identified to be the highest, i.e., 33. This sensor gauge factor decreased gradually with the increase of addition amount of MWNT, which was 5 for the sensor of 3.0[Formula: see text]wt.% MWNT loading. This gauge factor was still higher than that of conventional metal-foil strain sensors. The electrical conductivity of PVDF-HFP/MWNT composites was also studied. It was found that with the increase of the addition amount of MWNT, the electrical conductivity of the PVDF-HFP/MWNT composites varied in a perfect percolation pattern with a very low percolation threshold, i.e., 0.77 vol.%, further indicating the very good dispersion of MWNT in the PVDF-HFP matrix.

Characterization of MWCNTs-polystyrene nanocomposite based strain sensor

2020 ◽  
pp. 095440892096630
Author(s):  
Tarun Singla ◽  
Amrinder Pal Singh ◽  
Suresh Kumar ◽  
Gagandeep Singh ◽  
Navin Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Electrical Response ◽  
Composite Films ◽  
Tensile Load ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Strain Sensing ◽  
Nano Composite ◽  
Microscopy Technique ◽  
Sensing Applications

The usage of nano phase materials for strain sensing applications has attracted attention due to their unique electromechanical properties. The nanocomposite as piezo-resistive films provides an alternative for the realization of strain sensors with high sensitivity than the conventional sensors based on metal and semiconductor strain gauges. In this work, polymer based nano-composite with carbon nanotubes as filler were developed. The multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polystyrene (MWCNTs/PS) nano-composite films were prepared with different wt.% of CNTs using solution mixing method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy technique was carried out to investigate the morphology and dispersion of CNTs in the nano-composite sample. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique was employed to characterize the bonds present in the prepared nano-composite. The electrical response of the composite films was recorded in the form of current-voltage (I-V) characteristics using source meter. The electromechanical response of the nano-composite films with different wt.% of filler CNTs was recorded by applying uni-axial tensile load. The electromechanical responses were then analyzed to obtain gauge factor for the strain sensitivity. The highest gauge factor of 133 was recorded during tensile testing of the nano-composite with 3 wt.% of CNTs fillers.

scholarly journals A Sprayed Graphene Pattern-Based Flexible Strain Sensor with High Sensitivity and Fast Response

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 1077 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Xu ◽  
Tingting Yang ◽  
Feng Qin ◽  
Dongdong Gong ◽  
Yijia Du ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Strain Sensor ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Strain Sensors ◽  
Biomedical Science ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Flexible Strain Sensor

Flexible strain sensors have a wide range of applications in biomedical science, aerospace industry, portable devices, precise manufacturing, etc. However, the manufacturing processes of most flexible strain sensors previously reported have usually required high manufacturing costs and harsh experimental conditions. Besides, research interests are often focused on improving a single attribute parameter while ignoring others. This work aims to propose a simple method of manufacturing flexible graphene-based strain sensors with high sensitivity and fast response. Firstly, oxygen plasma treats the substrate to improve the interfacial interaction between graphene and the substrate, thereby improving device performance. The graphene solution is then sprayed using a soft PET mask to define a pattern for making the sensitive layer. This flexible strain sensor exhibits high sensitivity (gauge factor ~100 at 1% strain), fast response (response time: 400–700 μs), good stability (1000 cycles), and low overshoot (<5%) as well. Those processes used are compatible with a variety of complexly curved substrates and is expected to broaden the application of flexible strain sensors.

Embedded 3D Printing of Highly Flexible Nanocomposites With Piezoresistive Sensing Capabilities

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blake Herren ◽  
Mrinal C. Saha ◽  
M. Cengiz Altan ◽  
Yingtao Liu
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Human Skin ◽  
Strain Sensor ◽  
Strain Range ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Curing Temperature ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Strain Sensing ◽  
Sensing Applications ◽  
Human Joints

Abstract In recent years, highly flexible nanocomposite sensors have been developed for the detection of a variety of human body movements. To precisely detect the bending motions of human joints, the sensors must be able to conform well with the human skin and produce signals that effectively describe the amount of deformation applied to the material during bending. In this paper, a carbon nanotube-based piezoresistive strain sensor is developed via the direct ink writing based embedded 3D printing method. The optimum weight concentration range of carbon nanotubes in the nanocomposite inks, appropriate for embedded 3D printing, is identified. Samples with complex 2D and 3D geometries are printed to demonstrate the manufacturing capabilities of the embedded printing process. The sensitivity of the piezoresistive strain sensor is optimized by determining the ideal nanofiller concentration, curing temperature, and nozzle size to produce the highest gauge factor in a wide strain range. The piezoresistive and mechanical properties of the optimized sensors are fully characterized to verify the suitability for skin-attachable strain sensing applications. The developed sensors have a wide sensing range, high sensitivity, and minimal strain rate dependence. In addition, their low elasticity and high biocompatibility allow them to be comfortably bonded on the human skin.

High Effective Sensitivity, Wide Working Range of Melt-blown Nonwoven Conductive Substrates for Smart Wearable Strain Sensors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingfang Liu ◽  
Rangtong Liu ◽  
Shuping Liu ◽  
Liang Li ◽  
Shujing Li
Keyword(s):  
Strain Range ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Strain Sensors ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
High Durability ◽  
Voice Changes ◽  
Conductive Substrates ◽  
Smart Wearable ◽  
Melt Blown Nonwoven

Abstract High sensitivity, wide working range and flexible portability of strain sensors are crucial for smart wearable applications. To obtain these performances, several elastic melt-blown nonwoven substrates with excellent flexibility and high conductivity were developed by loading with polypyrrole through a double-dipping and double-rolling finishing method. The structure and conductivity are characterized by scanning electron microscope, infrared spectrometer, digital source meter and so on. The results indicate that the conductivity of prepared substrates is affected by the pyrrole concentration and polypyrrole amount deposited in nonwovens. Obviously, the conductivity and sensitivity of substrates as strain sensors are highly and positively correlated to the fiber orientation in nonwovens, and the effective working range and corresponding sensitivity of sensors are determined by the elastic deformation interval of melt-blown substrate. When the pyrrole concentration is 5.5%, the nonwoven substrate with 45.30% porosity possesses the anisotropic optimal conductivity with 23.491 S m-1 along winding direction and 15.063 S m-1 along width direction. Moreover, the as-prepared flexible conductive substrate exhibits the characteristics of wide working strain range (0-24.2%), high sensitivity with 1.94 gauge factor at the range, fast response (0.023 s), tiny hysteresis (0.011s), high durability and stability after 1000 cycles. Furthermore, the as-prepared sensor provides an effective method to prepare smart wearable strain sensors used as the monitor of finger bending in details and the precise recognition of human voice changes.

scholarly journals Dynamic Nanohybrid-Polysaccharide Hydrogels for Soft Wearable Strain Sensing

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 3574
Author(s):  
Pejman Heidarian ◽  
Hossein Yousefi ◽  
Akif Kaynak ◽  
Mariana Paulino ◽  
Saleh Gharaie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Strength ◽  
Strain Sensors ◽  
Self Healing ◽  
Nano Materials ◽  
Strain Sensing ◽  
Ferric Ions ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Adhesion Properties ◽  
High Mechanical Strength ◽  
The Moment

Electroconductive hydrogels with stimuli-free self-healing and self-recovery (SELF) properties and high mechanical strength for wearable strain sensors is an area of intensive research activity at the moment. Most electroconductive hydrogels, however, consist of static bonds for mechanical strength and dynamic bonds for SELF performance, presenting a challenge to improve both properties into one single hydrogel. An alternative strategy to successfully incorporate both properties into one system is via the use of stiff or rigid, yet dynamic nano-materials. In this work, a nano-hybrid modifier derived from nano-chitin coated with ferric ions and tannic acid (TA/Fe@ChNFs) is blended into a starch/polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylic acid (St/PVA/PAA) hydrogel. It is hypothesized that the TA/Fe@ChNFs nanohybrid imparts both mechanical strength and stimuli-free SELF properties to the hydrogel via dynamic catecholato-metal coordination bonds. Additionally, the catechol groups of TA provide mussel-inspired adhesion properties to the hydrogel. Due to its electroconductivity, toughness, stimuli-free SELF properties, and self-adhesiveness, a prototype soft wearable strain sensor is created using this hydrogel and subsequently tested.

scholarly journals Tin Disulfide-Coated Microfiber for Humidity Sensing with Fast Response and High Sensitivity

Crystals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 648
Author(s):  
Aijie Liang ◽  
Jingyuan Ming ◽  
Wenguo Zhu ◽  
Heyuan Guan ◽  
Xinyang Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Humidity Sensor ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Large Change ◽  
Small Variation ◽  
Response Speed ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Tin Disulfide ◽  
Recovery Times ◽  
Response And Recovery

Breath monitoring is significant in assessing human body conditions, such as cardiac and pulmonary symptoms. Optical fiber-based sensors have attracted much attention since they are immune to electromagnetic radiation, thus are safe for patients. Here, a microfiber (MF) humidity sensor is fabricated by coating tin disulfide (SnS2) nanosheets onto the surface of MF. The small diameter (~8 μm) and the long length (~5 mm) of the MF promise strong interaction between guiding light and SnS2. Thus, a small variation in the relative humidity (RH) will lead to a large change in optical transmitted power. A high RH sensitivity of 0.57 dB/%RH is therefore achieved. The response and recovery times are estimated to be 0.08 and 0.28 s, respectively. The high sensitivity and fast response speed enable our SnS2-MF sensor to monitor human breath in real time.

scholarly journals Giant gauge factor of Van der Waals material based strain sensors

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenjie Yan ◽  
Huei-Ru Fuh ◽  
Yanhui Lv ◽  
Ke-Qiu Chen ◽  
Tsung-Yin Tsai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carrier Mobility ◽  
Large Range ◽  
Van Der Waals ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Strain Sensors ◽  
Strain Gauges ◽  
Gauge Factor ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
High Flexibility ◽  
Small Deformations

AbstractThere is an emergent demand for high-flexibility, high-sensitivity and low-power strain gauges capable of sensing small deformations and vibrations in extreme conditions. Enhancing the gauge factor remains one of the greatest challenges for strain sensors. This is typically limited to below 300 and set when the sensor is fabricated. We report a strategy to tune and enhance the gauge factor of strain sensors based on Van der Waals materials by tuning the carrier mobility and concentration through an interplay of piezoelectric and photoelectric effects. For a SnS2 sensor we report a gauge factor up to 3933, and the ability to tune it over a large range, from 23 to 3933. Results from SnS2, GaSe, GeSe, monolayer WSe2, and monolayer MoSe2 sensors suggest that this is a universal phenomenon for Van der Waals semiconductors. We also provide proof of concept demonstrations by detecting vibrations caused by sound and capturing body movements.

scholarly journals A Full-Range Flexible and Printed Humidity Sensor Based on a Solution-Processed P(VDF-TrFE)/Graphene-Flower Composite

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1915
Author(s):  
Shenawar Ali Khan ◽  
Muhammad Saqib ◽  
Muhammad Muqeet Rehman ◽  
Hafiz Mohammad Mutee Ur Rehman ◽  
Sheik Abdur Rahman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Active Layer ◽  
Humidity Sensor ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Full Range ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Considerable Change ◽  
Relative Humidity Range ◽  
Response And Recovery ◽  
Proportional Relationship

A novel composite based on a polymer (P(VDF-TrFE)) and a two-dimensional material (graphene flower) was proposed as the active layer of an interdigitated electrode (IDEs) based humidity sensor. Silver (Ag) IDEs were screen printed on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate followed by spin coating the active layer of P(VDF-TrFE)/graphene flower on its surface. It was observed that this sensor responds to a wide relative humidity range (RH%) of 8–98% with a fast response and recovery time of 0.8 s and 2.5 s for the capacitance, respectively. The fabricated sensor displayed an inversely proportional response between capacitance and RH%, while a directly proportional relationship was observed between its impedance and RH%. P(VDF-TrFE)/graphene flower-based flexible humidity sensor exhibited high sensitivity with an average change of capacitance as 0.0558 pF/RH%. Stability of obtained results was monitored for two weeks without any considerable change in the original values, signifying its high reliability. Various chemical, morphological, and electrical characterizations were performed to comprehensively study the humidity-sensing behavior of this advanced composite. The fabricated sensor was successfully used for the applications of health monitoring and measuring the water content in the environment.

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