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Laser-Induced Graphene on Biocompatible PDMS/PEG Composites for Limb Motion Sensing.
Anđela Gavran1, Marija V Pergal1, Teodora Vićentić1
1Center for Microelectronic Technologies, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 13, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a new method for creating laser-induced graphene (LIG) on flexible, biocompatible PDMS/PEG composites for wearable sensors. This advancement overcomes challenges in precursor materials, enabling enhanced flexibility and real-time motion monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is crucial for wearable electronics due to its unique properties.
- A key challenge is the lack of stretchable, biocompatible polymers for LIG fabrication.
- Existing methods struggle with precursor material limitations for advanced wearable sensors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for fabricating LIG on biocompatible PDMS/PEG composites.
- To optimize laser parameters for high-quality graphene synthesis on flexible substrates.
- To create and test wearable sensors using the new LIG-based materials.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of LIG directly on cross-linked PDMS/PEG composites with varying PEG content (10-40 wt.%).
- Systematic optimization of laser parameters for efficient graphenization.
- Characterization using tensile testing, XPS, SEM, and Raman spectroscopy.
- Device fabrication via laser induction on polyimide followed by transfer to PDMS/PEG to address contact adhesion issues.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of high-quality few-layer graphene on PDMS/PEG substrates.
- PDMS/40 wt.% PEG composites exhibited enhanced flexibility (237% elongation at break, 0.25 MPa Young's modulus).
- Demonstrated real-time limb motion monitoring with a stable, repeatable piezoresistive response.
- Overcame electrical contact adhesion challenges through a polyimide transfer method.
Conclusions:
- First-time fabrication of LIG on biocompatible PDMS/PEG composites for wearable sensors.
- The developed method offers a promising route for creating flexible, high-performance sensors.
- This research paves the way for advanced applications in medical and sports technologies.
