Mechanically robust and electrically conductive nanofiber composites with enhanced interfacial interaction for strain...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wearable Electronics

Background:

• Electrically conductive fiber/fabric composites (ECFCs) are crucial for wearable electronics.
• Developing mechanically robust ECFC strain sensors with high performance is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare strong, breathable ECFCs for strain and temperature sensing using MXene assembly and hot-pressing.
• To investigate the interfacial mechanisms for enhanced mechanical and sensing properties.

Main Methods:

• MXene nanosheet assembly on polyurethane (PU) nanofibers via hydrogen bonding and ultrasonication.
• Hot-pressing to improve interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties.
• Fabrication and testing of ECFCs as strain and temperature sensors.

Main Results:

• Enhanced mechanical properties (tensile strength, toughness, fracture energy) and surface stability.
• Breathable ECFCs demonstrated linear strain sensing (1-100%) with excellent cycling stability (>1000 cycles).
• Effective temperature monitoring with a negative temperature coefficient (-0.146 %/°C).

Conclusions:

• An interfacial regulation method was established for multi-functional nanofiber composites.
• The developed ECFCs show significant potential for flexible and wearable electronic applications.
• The study highlights a pathway for creating durable and high-performance sensing materials.