Electromechano Studies of Stretchable Strain Sensor Based on Conductive Nanofiber Embedded in PDMS

Author: Obiora Onyilagha, Department of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering

Mentor: Dr. Zhengtao Zhu, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Health Science

Flexible and stretchable strain sensors have been developed to measure the strain associated with human motion. These sensors made of soft materials with stiffness close to that of the human skin are readily attached to the skin and can collect data on human motion around the clock. Here in, strain sensors based on various conductive nanofibrous films embedded in Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are investigated systematically. The electric resistance of the sensors changes when strain is applied due to the microstructural changes in the conductive film. The sensitivity and stretchability of our device vary with the stiffness of the conductive film. Therefore, stretchable strain sensors can be tailored to function within a specific strain range by changing the stiffness of the conductive film embedded in PDMS.