Flexible Piezoresistive Sensors from Polydimethylsiloxane Films with Ridge-like Surface Structures

Developing flexible sensors and actuators is of paramount importance for wearable devices and systems. In this research, we developed a simple and facile technique to construct flexible piezoresistive sensors from polydimethylsiloxane films with ridge-like surface structures and laser-induced porous graphene. Using a replication strategy, we prepared the ridge-like surface structures from sandpapers. The piezoresistive sensors exhibit excellent sensitivity with a response time of less than 50 ms and long-term cyclic stability under mechanical loading. The smallest weight they can sense is similar to 96 mg. We demonstrated applications of the piezoresistive sensors in the sensing of bio-related activities, including muscle contraction, finger flexion, wrist flexion, elbow bending, knee bending, swallowing, respiration, sounds, and pulses.

Automated summary

This research focuses on the development of flexible piezoresistive sensors using unique surface structures and laser-induced porous graphene. The sensors exhibit excellent sensitivity and cyclic stability, making them suitable for bio-related activity sensing.