Flexible\nand Transparent Strain Sensors with Embedded Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes\nMeshes

Abstract

Strain\nsensors combining high sensitivity with good transparency and flexibility\nwould be of great usefulness in smart wearable/flexible electronics.\nHowever, the fabrication of such strain sensors is still challenging.\nIn this study, new strain sensors with embedded multiwalled carbon\nnanotubes (MWCNTs) meshes in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films were\ndesigned and tested. The strain sensors showed elevated optical transparency\nof up to 87% and high sensitivity with a gauge factor of 1140 at a\nsmall strain of 8.75%. The gauge factors of the sensors were also\nfound relatively stable since they did not obviously change after\n2000 stretching/releasing cycles. The sensors were tested to detect\nmotion in the human body, such as wrist bending, eye blinking, mouth\nphonation, and pulse, and the results were shown to be satisfactory.\nFurthermore, the fabrication of the strain sensor consisting of mechanically\nblading MWCNTs aqueous dispersions into microtrenches of prestructured\nPDMS films was straightforward, was low cost, and resulted in high\nyield. All these features testify to the great potential of these\nsensors in future real applications.