Low‐Cost Bionic Microstructure‐Based Flexible Piezoresistive Sensors for Human Signal Detection

Abstract

Abstract Various microstructure designs are frequently employed to optimize flexible sensor performance. However, the replication process of microstructures is complex, the required equipment is costly, and the production costs remain relatively high. In this study, A method involving multiple coatings of a mixed carbon solution is employed to replicate the microstructure of the leaf surface. Flexible piezoresistive sensors with microstructures resembling those of corn husks, lucky bamboo leaves, and cattail leaves are fabricated. The fabrication process is straightforward, and the production cost is low. Morphological observations and performance testing reveal that the flexible piezoresistive sensor with the corn husk‐like microstructure exhibits the best sensing performance: a sensitivity of 0.0128 kPa −1 in the pressure range of 0–18 kPa. The response and recovery times are 151 ± 12 ms and 196 ± 28 ms, respectively, with a pressure range of 0–178 kPa, stability over 10, 000 loading‐unloading cycles and a hysteresis error of 8.05%. The fabricated flexible piezoresistive sensors can be utilized to detect human body signals such as frowning, finger bending, and foot pressure. These sensors hold potential for applications in fields such as motion monitoring, healthcare, and flexible robotic systems.