Wavy graphene mesh reinforced elastic composite films for strain and pressure sensing

Highly flexible and sensitive strain sensors, based on graphene mesh (GM) composite films, have been widely applied in wearable electronics. However, the pressure detection application for GM composite film is still a great challenge. Herein, we present a facile method to fabricate GM/ polydimethylsiloxane composite film with wavy structure for tensile strain and vertical pressure detection. The wavy film showed a broad detection range of strain (0 similar to 20%), high gauge factor (4.3), and excellent reliability. Meanwhile, it could detect vertical pressures over an ultrabroad sensing range of 0 similar to 1000 kPa with a sensitivity of 2.72 kPa(-1). Demonstrations of sensing for vocalization, joint bending, pressing and walking suggesting great potentials for full-body motion monitoring.

Automated summary

This study presents a facile method to fabricate wavy graphene mesh (GM)/polydimethylsiloxane composite film for detection of tensile strain and vertical pressure. The wavy film exhibits a broad detection range of strain (0 to 20%), high gauge factor (4.3), and excellent reliability. It also demonstrates the capability to detect vertical pressures in an ultra-broad sensing range of 0 to 1000 kPa with a sensitivity of 2.72 kPa(-1). Sensing demonstrations for vocalization, joint bending, pressing, and walking suggest great potential for full-body motion monitoring.