Permeable Thermistor Temperature Sensors Based on Porous Melamine Foam

sensors and electronics have gained much attention in recent years. They are especially interesting due to their abilities to conform to static and dynamic surfaces while keeping their functionality. These characteristics make them relevant for a wide range of applications, from health care and fitness monitoring to soft robotics. In this work, we go beyond simple mechanical flexibility and present a lightweight and permeable flexible sensor utilizing melamine foam as a substrate. The foam is coated with metallic copper (Cu) and semiconductive Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide (InGaZnO) to form a thermistor-type temperature sensor. The sensor showed a very stable response when cycling the temperature between 25 degrees C and 51 degrees C, exhibiting a maximum sensitivity of -01.6%C-?(-1), a permeability of 366.6 g m(-2)h(-1) at 24 degrees C, and a maximum resistance variation of-2.9%RH-1 when varying the relative humidity from 40% to 70%. The device also remained fully functional even after being bent to a radius of 5 mm.

Automated summary

Sensors and electronics have attracted considerable attention recently due to their ability to conform to surfaces while retaining functionality. This study presents a lightweight and permeable flexible sensor using melamine foam as a substrate, coated with metallic copper (Cu) and semiconductive Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide (InGaZnO). The sensor demonstrated stable response to temperature cycling, with maximum sensitivity, permeability, and resistance variation. It also remained fully functional after being bent to a 5 mm radius.