Recycled Carbon-based Strain Sensors: An Ecofriendly Approach using Char and Coconut Oil

Bio-compatible high stretchable strain sensors can be applied in several areas ranging from engineering to medicine. Among many efforts in developing new sensors, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly devices characterized by a minimum environmental impact and a low cost. This work deals with the development and analysis of a biocompatible, eco-friendly, and unexpensive strain sensor, easily manufacturable, consisting of natural coconut oil, and recycled char, the solid residue obtained after the gasification of biomass. The results demonstrate an average gauge factor of (23.2 +/- 2.5), with a linear response until 80% strain, a higher hysteresis occurring between strain values of 25% 40% and a stable and reliable response after 250 stretch/release cycles.

Automated summary

In this study, a bio-compatible, eco-friendly, and inexpensive strain sensor was developed using natural coconut oil and recycled char. The sensor showed a high gauge factor, linear response up to 80% strain, higher hysteresis at 25% to 40% strain, and stable performance after 250 stretch/release cycles. This sensor has potential applications in various fields such as medicine and engineering.