Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film has been widely investigated as a sensor and transducer material due to its high piezo-, pyro-and ferroelectric properties. To activate these properties, PVDF films require a mechanical treatment, stretching or poling. In this paper, we report on a force sensor based on PVDF fabrics with excellent flexibility and breathability, to be used as a specific human-related sensor. PVDF nanofibrous fabrics were prepared by using an electrospinning unit and characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. Preliminary force sensors have been fabricated and demonstrated excellent sensitivity and response to external mechanical forces. This implies that promising applications can be made for sensing garment pressure, blood pressure, heartbeat rate, respiration rate and accidental impact on the human body.

During electrospinning, P(VDF‐TrFE), an electroactive polymer, acquires special electrical and mechanical properties. The development of a flexible, breathable pressure sensor based on P(VDF‐TrFE) nanofiber webs is reported that shows promise for use in human‐centered applications. The P(VDF‐TrFE) nanofiber webs are produced by electrospinning. The morphology and microstructure of webs are characterized using SEM, XRD, and ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy. Flexible pressure sensors are developed that are suitable for incorporation into fabrics and, using a custom‐made setup, is is demonstrated that they have a maximum sensitivity of 60.5 mV · N−1.

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