Breathable and Wearable Strain Sensors Based on Synergistic Conductive Carbon Nanotubes/Cotton Fabrics for Multi-directional Motion Detection

Flexible strain-sensitive sensors have been receiving intensive attention in many aspects ranging from human motion capture to health-related signal monitoring. However, the fabric strain sensor with multi-directional sensing capability, besides having a wide strain range and high response sensitivity, is still very challenging and deserves further exploration. Here, we have prepared a wearable cotton fabric strain sensor uniformly decorated with single-walled carbon nanotubes through a facile solution process. The unique hierarchical architecture of the cotton fabric woven from twisted yarns combined with the conductive carbon nanotube network endows the fabric strain sensors with attractive performance, including low detection limit, large workable strain range, fascinating stability and durability, excellent direction-dependent strain response, and good air permeability. The strain sensor without polymer encapsulation can not only monitor subtle and large multi-directional motions but also fit well to the human body with satisfactory comfort, demonstrating its potential application in wearable electronics and intelligent clothing.

Automated summary

In this study, a wearable cotton fabric strain sensor decorated with single-walled carbon nanotubes was prepared. The sensor exhibits low detection limit, large strain range, stability and durability, excellent direction-dependent strain response, and good air permeability. It can monitor multidirectional motions and fit well to the human body with satisfactory comfort, showing great potential for applications in wearable electronics and intelligent clothing.