Stretchable MXene/Thermoplastic Polyurethanes based Strain Sensor Fabricated Using a Combined Electrospinning and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wearable Technology

Background:

• Flexible electronic devices require robust and sensitive strain sensors.
• Existing sensors often face limitations in working range and durability during stretching.
• Developing advanced materials and fabrication techniques is crucial for next-generation wearables.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel flexible electrically resistive-type strain sensor based on MXene/Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU).
• To enhance the sensor's working range and durability through a composite fabrication process.
• To evaluate the sensor's performance in monitoring human motion for wearable applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a composite process combining electrospinning (ES) and electrostatic spray deposition (ESD).
• Developed a sensing layer with improved adhesion and crack resistance using ESD on an ES TPU nanofiber membrane.
• Created a sandwich structure via additional ES for uniform stress distribution.

Main Results:

• The ESD-prepared sensing layer exhibited superior adhesion and resistance to cracking during stretching compared to other methods.
• The novel sandwich structure further enhanced the strain sensing range by improving stress distribution.
• The developed ESD-ES strain sensors effectively monitored various human motions when attached to the skin.

Conclusions:

• The developed MXene/TPU strain sensor offers an improved working range and durability.
• The fabrication method combining ES and ESD is effective for creating high-performance flexible sensors.
• These sensors show significant potential for applications in smart wearable devices and human motion monitoring.