Highly sensitive and flexible piezoresistive sensor based on c-MWCNTs decorated TPU electrospun fibrous network for human motion detection

Flexible and wearable pressure sensor with high sensitivity has aroused great attentions in recent years. In this work, a flexible piezoresistive pressure sensor was fabricated based on a kind of thermoplastic urethane (TPU) within electrospun fibrous network (TPUN), where the TPUN was decorated with c-MWCNTs successfully to realize the excellent conductivity. The novel piezoresistive pressure sensor exhibited a high sensitivity up to 2 kPa(-1), a wide working pressure range of 10 kPa, a low hysteresis deviation (below 6%), a good structural stability and durability for more than 1000 cycles, and the distinguishment of various frequencies and pressures. Benefited from the excellent sensing performances and stable structure, a few demonstrations were performed to acquire human physiological signals such as various muscle activities and pulse, indicating the developed pressure sensor with a high potential uses in e-skins and wearable devices.

Automated summary

A flexible piezoresistive pressure sensor with excellent conductivity and stable structure was fabricated, showing high sensitivity, wide working pressure range, low hysteresis deviation, and good durability. Demonstrations successfully acquired human physiological signals, demonstrating the potential uses of the sensor in e-skins and wearable devices.