Use of Surface Penetration Technology to Fabricate Superhydrophobic Multifunctional Strain Sensors with an Ultrawide Sensing Range

Flexible sensors with wide sensing ranges require responsiveness under tiny and large strains. However, the development of strain sensors with wide detection ranges is still a great challenge due to the conflict between the tiny strain requirements of sparse conductive networks and the large strain requirement of dense conductive networks. Herein, we present a facile method for fabricating a gradient conductive network composed of sparse and dense conductive networks. The surface penetration technology in which carbon black (CB) penetrated from the natural rubber latex (NRL) glove surface to the interior was used to fabricate a gradient conductive network. The prolonged immersion time from 1 to 30 min caused the penetration depth of CB to increase from 2 to 80 mu m. Moreover, CB formed hierarchical rough micro- and nanoscale structures, creating a superhydrophobic surface. The gradient conductive network of sensors produced an ultrawide detection range of strain (0.05-300%) and excellent reliability and reproducibility. The sensors can detect a wide range of human motions, from tiny (wrist pulse) to large (joint movements) motion monitoring. The flexible sensors attached to a flexible basement can be used to detect pressure in a wide detection range (1.7-2900 kPa). Pressure responsiveness was used to detect the weight, sound pressure, and dripping of tiny droplets. The sensor showed an excellent response to organic solvents, and the response intensity increased with the increasing swelling degree of the solvent for NRL.

Automated summary

This study presents a facile method for fabricating gradient conductive network sensors, achieving ultra-wide range strain detection with excellent reliability and reproducibility. The sensors can detect a wide range of human motions and can be used for pressure detection over a wide range as well as for detecting the response of organic solvents.