PVA tactile sensors based on Electrical Contact Resistance (ECR) change mechanism for subtle pressure detection
Journal
Sensors and Actuators A: Physical
Journal Volume
342
Date Issued
2022
Author(s)
Abstract
A tactile-sensing device, made of biodegradable Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) material, has been developed. The device has a composite PVA film, with conductive fillers of Iron (Fe) particle or multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), sandwiched in between top and bottom PVA substrates. The filler allows conducting paths to be formed when the contact areas between the substrates increases with an external applied force, resulting in the reduction of Electrical Contact Resistance (ECR). Our sensors employ a much simpler structure and fabrication method compared to other previously reported biodegradable tactile sensors. The devices are optimized with their filler weight percentage and device structure, showing excellent sensitivity (1.998 kPa−1) in the subtle pressure range (0~0.5 kPa). These tactile sensors are tested for air flow and vibration detections, showing the potential for future low-cost biodegradable wearable health monitoring applications. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.
Subjects
Biodegradable; ECR; Fe; MWCNT; Polymer composite; Subtle pressure
SDGs
Other Subjects
Biodegradable polymers; Contact resistance; Filled polymers; Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCN); Tactile sensors; Wearable sensors; Biodegradable; Change mechanisms; Electrical contact resistance; Fe; Multi-walled-carbon-nanotubes; Polymer composite; Pressure detections; Resistance change; Subtle pressure; Tactile sensors; Fillers
Type
journal article