Agrawal A., Patra P.K., Calvert P.D.
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, US
Keywords: gauge factor, inkjet printing, Piezoresistive, softstructure
In this communication, we present a novel approach for the fabrication of soft structured polymeric strain sensors composed of, woven cotton base, and a conducing poly (3, 4 – ethylenedioxythiophene) – poly (4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS). A suspension of 1.3 wt % of (PEDOT-PSS) was inkjet printed on the mercerized cotton fabrics. The resistance drops as more ink is deposited by the means of overlapping of printed layers. For determining the effect of substrate geometry on sensing properties, different fabric weaves such as plain, twill and sateen and fabric orientation of 0°, 45° and 90° were used. Sensitivity was determined in the form of gauge factor, defined as the quotient of change in electrical resistance to that of strain of the sensory material. The gauge factor of the printed materials is negative and ranges from 5-10 depend on the class of the substrate. The gauge factor did not change with fabric orientation but shows significant changes with the types of fabric. The Negative gauge factor means increase in resistance with strain and decrease in resistance with relaxation. This value is higher than the metals with gauge factor about 2 and other available conductive polymer based piezoresistive sensors with gauge factor ranging from 1-5
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 32 - 35
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
Topic: Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
ISBN: 1-4200-6183-6