Highly Stretchable, Weavable, and Washable Piezoresistive Microfiber Sensors

Area of Science:

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Wearable Electronics
• Textile Science

Background:

• Developing intrinsically conductive threads for electronic textiles presents challenges in achieving both robustness and sensitivity.
• Existing conductive threads often lack the necessary flexibility and durability for advanced wearable applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate an elastomeric functionalized microfiber sensor for smart textile and wearable electronic applications.
• To create a conductive thread with high flexibility, stretchability, and piezoresistive properties.

Main Methods:

• Functionalization of elastomeric microtubes by enclosing a conductive liquid metallic alloy.
• Fabrication of microfibers with a diameter comparable to cotton threads (160 μm).
• Integration of microfibers into fabric structures, such as a glove, for sensing applications.

Main Results:

• The developed microfiber sensor exhibits high flexibility and stretchability up to 120% strain.
• Maintained excellent electrical conductivity (3.27 ± 0.08 MS/m) and robust piezoresistive characteristics.
• Demonstrated minimal electrical drift after repeated stretching and machine washing, indicating high durability.

Conclusions:

• The elastomeric functionalized microfiber sensor offers a promising solution for developing advanced electronic textiles and wearable devices.
• Its unique properties facilitate seamless integration into fabrics for versatile sensing capabilities, including physiological monitoring.
• The sensor's robustness and protection against degradation open avenues for applications in flexible displays, soft robotics, and healthcare.