A fibrous flexible strain sensor with Ag nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes for synergetic high sensitivity and large response range. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhan, Pengfei; Jia, Yanyan; Zhai, Wei; Zheng, Guoqiang; Dai, Kun; Liu, Chuntai; Shen, Changyu
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 167(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs) -- A. Nanocomposites -- A. Thermoplastic resin -- B. Electrical properties -- B. Microstructures; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2023.107431
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: AgNPs/CNTs/PDA/TPU mat (ACTM) wearable electronic devices possess a desirable integration of stretchability and high sensitivity. Highlights: The synergistic conductive network of electrospun TPU mat-based sensor is designed and constructed. The TPU mat strain sensors possess high sensitivity and wide sensing range. TPU mat-based sensors also have a fast response time of 90 ms and low detection limit (0.1% strain). The TPU mat composites can detect full range human motions. ACTM-50 is used to encrypted information system. Abstract: Constructing strain sensors coupled with a broad sensing range and high sensitivity is still a challenge. Tuning the microstructure of conductive polymer composites has been considered as an efficient strategy. In this work, a synergistic conductive network consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) on electrospun TPU mats is achieved. CNTs are anchored on TPU mats through ultrasonication, enhancing the sensing range based on large aspect ratio; AgNPs with low dimension are employed as the second conductive layer. The microstructure endows the AgNPs/CNTs/PDA/TPU mat (ACTM) with broad sensing range (640% strain), high sensitivity and fast response time of 90 ms. The flexible fibrous TPU network decorated with double conductive network accounts for high stretchability, and the generation of cracks during stretching is an important factor for high sensitivity. ATCM composite is assembled as wearable strain sensors, possessing the capacity of capturing human movements in real-time.