Deformable and wearable carbon nanotube microwire-based sensors for ultrasensitive monitoring of strain, pressure and torsion. Issue 2 (12th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhou, Jian; Xu, Xuezhu; Yu, Hu; Lubineau, Gilles
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 9:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 604
• Page End: 612
• Publication Date: 2016-12-12
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/c6nr08096k
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : A sensor is a promising alternative to conventional mechanical sensors combining an easy fabrication process, multi-mode deformation detection, high sensitivity, excellent durability and reusability. Abstract : Human joints have the ability to recover their mechanical functions after moderate dislocation. This remarkable capability inspired us to develop a "bone-skin-like" mechanosensor that can detect multiple mechanical deformations after recovery from electrical disconnection. To create this sensor, we embedded a low-strength, wet-spun single-walled carbon nanotube wire in polydimethylsiloxane. When various mechanical stimuli are applied, the wire gets fragmented and its resistance increases dramatically (from 360 Ω to practically infinity) in a reversible, recoverable manner even after the electrical failure/disconnection. The sensor is sensitive enough (a gauge factor of 10 5 at 15% uniaxial strain, a pressure sensitivity of 10 5 MPa −1 at 0.9 MPa pressure and a torsion sensitivity of 860 at a twisting angle of 60°) to be used for accurate sensing of a variety of deformation modes, suggesting a wide range of applications in wearable and deformable mechanical sensors.