Electrospining Machine: Tianxi Liu & Yunpeng Huang JMCA, Jiangnan University: Presenting the Shape of Sound through Dual-Mode Strain/Tactile Sensors

Background

The next generation of wearable electronics requires sensitive elements that are cost-effective, flexible, sensitive and versatile. With this in mind, Professor Liu Tianxi and Associate Professor Huang Yunpeng of Jiangnan University have introduced a highly sensitive dual-mode strain/tactile sensor with wide detection range and its application in monitoring human movement and presenting the shape of sound.

The research was published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A under the title ‘Presenting the shape of sound through a dual-mode strain/tactile sensor’. Chemistry A.

The main point of this paper

1.The study developed a highly elastic dual-mode strain/tactile sensor with extremely low detection limits, high sensitivity and ultra-wide detection range.

2.The sensor can monitor human activity and the shape of different natural sounds, and has great potential in sound visualisation technology applications.

3.Excellent piezoresistive sensing performance is achieved by densely coating highly conductive CNTs on a highly elastic OBC microfibre substrate.

4.When the fibre conductor is used as a strain sensor, an extremely low detection limit (0.074%), an ultra-wide sensing range (0.074-350%) and a fast response time (107 ms) can be obtained. In addition, a wide response range (0-70 kPa), high sensitivity (0.073 kPa -1) and fast response/recovery times (30 ms/60 ms) can be achieved when used as tactile sensors.

How to prepare highly elastic fibre conductors with excellent piezoresistive sensing properties?

1. A highly elastic fibre conductor with excellent piezoresistive sensing performance has been developed by electrospinning skin-friendly OBC elastomers into a highly elastic fibre substrate, followed by a versatile acoustic wave-assisted assembly strategy to firmly and homogeneously embed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into the OBC microfibres.

2. The conductor exhibits extremely low detection limits, high sensitivity, ultra-wide detection range and fast response/recovery in terms of strain and pressure, which makes it suitable for monitoring a wide range of human movements and different natural sounds.

What are the characteristics of a dual-mode strain/tactile sensor?

1.Very low detection limit (0.074%): 

The sensor can detect very small deformation, such as heartbeat, arterial pulsation and vocal cord vibration.

2. Ultra-wide sensing range (0.074-350%): 

The sensor is able to detect a wide range of amplitude of movement from slight stretching to violent body movements.

3.fast response time (107 ms): 

The sensor can quickly respond to dynamic movements such as running or jumping.

4. Flexibility and wearability: 

Can be integrated into fabrics or other wearable devices.

5.low power consumption: 

Ideal for battery-powered applications.

6.low cost: 

Easy to mass produce.

Originallink: https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA03398H