High-performance smart foam from cellulose and carbon black for impact detection via piezoresistive sensing in...

Vibration has been identified as a primary factor contributing to product deterioration during transportation. Real-time monitoring and feedback on internal vibration conditions can provide critical information for preventing product damage. Herein, the cellulose-based intelligent packaging foam (FFPCC) is developed by incorporating carbon black with Pluronic F127 as a soft template. The uniform dispersion of carbon black particles on the fiber surface ensures excellent electrical conductivity, laying a reliable foundation for intelligent sensing functionality. Simultaneously, strong chemical bonds are formed between citric acid and the hydroxyl groups on the fiber surface, enabling the foam to retain an apparent lamellar-like morphology after drying. FFPCC also exhibits outstanding mechanical performance, with a compressive strength of 50 kPa at 50% strain and high recoverable compressibility, achieving a 94% recovery rate under the same deformation conditions. In transport packaging simulation experiments, by connecting the FFPCC to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and applying an electric current, cargo damage can be monitored in real time via significant changes in LED brightness. This work provides a method for manufacturing sustainable smart packaging materials with both impact protection and stress monitoring capabilities.