Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2025

Production of a Strain-Measuring Device with an Improved 3D Printer
Published on: January 30, 2020
Mechanically Driven Self-Healing MXene Strain Gauges for Overstrain-Tolerant Operation
Hao Wang1,2, Yong Lin1,2, Cheng Yang1,2
1College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Collaborative Innovation Centre of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
Abstract:
Compliant strain gauges are well-suited to monitor tiny movements and processes in the body. However, they are easily damaged by unexpected impacts in practical applications, limiting their utility in controlled laboratory environments. This study introduces elastic microcracked MXene films for mechanically driven self-healing strain gauges. MXene films are deposited on soft silicone substrates and intentionally stretched to create saturated microcracks. The resulting device not only has high sensitivity but also can recover its original sensing capability even after experiencing failure-level overstrains. This electrical self-healing ability is achieved through the elastic rebound of the substrate, which autonomously restores the microcracked morphology of the MXene film. The MXene strain gauge can withstand overextension, twisting, impact forces, and even car rolling. The device is also resilient to touch-induced damage during monitoring of physiological motions. The mechanically driven self-healing strategy may effectively improve the durability of highly sensitive strain sensors.
More Related Videos
09:38Strain Sensing Based on Multiscale Composite Materials Reinforced with Graphene Nanoplatelets
Published on: November 7, 2016
09:29Fabrication and Implantation of Miniature Dual-element Strain Gages for Measuring In Vivo Gastrointestinal Contractions in Rodents.
Published on: September 18, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Measurements of Strain
Stress-Strain Diagram
True Stress and True Strain
In contrast, true stress offers a more precise portrayal. It is computed by dividing the...
Yield Criteria for Ductile Materials under Plane Stress
The Maximum Shearing Stress Criterion, also known as...
Strain-Energy Density
In the elastic region of a material, the relationship between the stress and the strain is linear and follows Hooke's Law. The strain energy density in this...
Normal Strain under Axial Loading