Ultra-fast light repair, ultrasensitive, large strain detection range PDA@RGO/EVA composites fiber flexible strain sensor

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. A. Physical. Vol. 377; p. 115755
• Main Authors: Wang, Shuolei, Zhang, Zhonggui, Li, Zhao, Zhang, Ziyue, Islam, MD. Zahidul, Jiang, Xiaojian, Gao, Hongyu, Xu, Shi, Dong, Yubing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 16.10.2024
• Subjects: Creep; Multifunctional composites; PDA@RGO/EVA fiber; Self-healing; Shape memory behaviour; PDA@RGO/EVA fiber; Self-healing; Creep; Multifunctional composites; Shape memory behaviour
• ISSN: 0924-4247
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sna.2024.115755

The sensor fabricated from high-molecular polymer is soft, lightweight, and biocompatible; however, traditional high-molecular polymers suffer from viscoelasticity and poor cycle stability. To address these issues, it is essential to develop flexible matrix materials that can overcome viscoelasticity, ensuring high sensitivity and long-term use under large strains for next-generation wearable intelligent devices. In this study, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) with a shape memory effect was utilized as the substrate for a flexible sensor，the shape memory effect of EVA can eliminate the residual strain generated by each long time of use to improve its service life. A polydopamine@reduced graphene oxide (PDA@RGO)/EVA fiber flexible strain sensor was fabricated through melt extrusion, swelling ultrasound, and in-situ polymerization techniques. The resulting sensor exhibits high sensitivity (gauge factor=1801.21), a wide strain detection range (strain = 193 %), and excellent stability and durability (2000 cycles). Notably, the PDA@RGO/EVA fiber flexible strain sensor demonstrates exceptional dual thermal and light repair functions, with light repair achieving a repair speed of 5 seconds, 100 % electrical performance repair efficiency, and perfect consistency in relative resistance response before and after repair. Furthermore, the PDA@RGO/EVA strain sensor can monitor finger and wrist movements in real-time with high accuracy, highlighting its significant potential application in the wearable technology field. [Display omitted] •The RGO@PDA/EVA fiber was prepared by swelling ultrasonic and in situ polymerization.•The RGO@PDA/EVA fiber has an efficient thermal repair effect at a temperature of 70 ℃.•The RGO@PDA/EVA fiber can achieve 100 % optical performance repair effect in 5 s.•It has high sensitivity, large strain detection range, stable and fast response speed.