Multifunctional SBS-Based Strain Sensor on Interfacial Self-Assembly with Synergistic Conductive Network for Human...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Flexible strain sensors based on styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers (SBS) face limitations in sensitivity, multifunctionality, fabrication, and cost.
• Existing sensors struggle to meet the demands of practical applications requiring high performance and versatility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile fabrication strategy for advanced flexible strain sensors.
• To enhance the sensitivity, response range, and multifunctional capabilities of SBS-based sensors.
• To address the limitations of current flexible strain sensor technologies.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of graphene-carbon nanotube (Gr-CNTs)/SBS composite films (GCSCF) via oil-water interfacial self-assembly.
• Selective embedding of Gr-CNT hybrid conductive particles on one SBS surface, creating an insulating layer on the other.
• Introduction of microcrack structures on the Gr-CNT-embedded surface through a prestretching process.

Main Results:

• The synergistic conductive network of Gr and CNTs provides a wide response range.
• Microcrack structures enhance sensitivity, achieving a maximum gauge factor (GF) of 63,932 within the 110-132.5% strain range.
• The GCSCF sensor demonstrates a broad strain detection range (0.05-132.5%), rapid response/recovery times (126/112 ms), and capability for human motion detection, electronic skin, and underwater signal transmission.
• Excellent Joule heat management and temperature-sensing capabilities were also observed.

Conclusions:

• The developed Gr-CNTs/SBS composite film offers a promising solution for high-performance flexible strain sensors.
• The facile fabrication method and enhanced properties overcome key challenges in current sensor technology.
• The sensor's versatility extends to applications in human-computer interaction, electronic skin, and advanced signal transmission.