Flexible strain sensor with high performance based on PANI/PDMS films

A high strain sensor composed of elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyaniline (PANI) was fabricated by electrodeposition method for PANI preparation and daubing method for PDMS preparation. This kind of sensor could subject to a large tensile strain (similar to 50%) and revealed a high gauge factor (54 at 50% strain), which was higher than other sensors reported previously. Also, the sensor displayed a current with a magnitude of mA when applied to 1 V, indicating it didn't need expensive and huge test equipment. Moreover, cyclic strain on the sensor obtained repeatable resistive responses. Its work mechanisms were discussed. The flexible sensor was proved to be useful in sensing strains and other various applications. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.