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

• Published in: Organic electronics Vol. 47; pp. 51 - 56
• Main Authors: Gong, Xin Xin, Fei, Guang Tao, Fu, Wen Biao, Fang, Ming, Gao, Xu Dong, Zhong, Bin Nian, Zhang, Li De
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.08.2017
• Subjects: Cracks; Flexible; Gauge factor; PANI; Strain sensor; Cracks; PANI; Flexible; Strain sensor; Gauge factor
• ISSN: 1566-1199; 1878-5530
• DOI: 10.1016/j.orgel.2017.05.001

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 (∼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. A flexible sensor based on PDMS/PANI film exhibits a current with a magnitude of mA under the bias of 1 V, and a high gauge factor (54 at 50% strain). Such high gauge factor was attributed to the deformation of PANI film and the further narrowed parts between two microscale cracks in the film. [Display omitted] •A high strain sensor based on PDMS/PANI film was fabricated.•The sensor could subject to a large strain and revealed a high gauge factor.•The sensor displayed a current with a magnitude of mA when applied to 1 V.