Flexible Pressure Sensor Based on a Poly(VDF‐TrFE) Nanofiber Web

Abstract

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.

Sensitivity of Pressure Sensors Enhanced by Doping Silver Nanowires

“…It is widely used in human-related applications for its flexibility, light weight and biocompatibility, e.g., in sphygmomanometers [4], pressure sensors [5–8] and nanogenerators [9]. It is a semicrystalline material with a nonpolar crystalline α phase ( trans -gauche conformation, TGTG′), crystalline polar β phase (all trans -conformation, TTT), crystalline γ phase (one gauge four units, T 3 GT 3 G′) and crystalline δ phase.…”

“…Our previous publications have focused on the processing method and properties of electrospun PVDF and P(VDF-TrFE) nanofiber webs [5,6,8]. In this paper, we aimed to enhance the crystalline β phase content in PVDF by combining Ag NWs dopant with the electrospinning technology.…”

Advances in Electrospun Functional Nanofibers

“…[4] Ren and coworkers illustrate the promising development of flexible pressure sensors using P(VDF-TrFE) electroactive polymer nanofiber webs. [5] Scalia and co-workers report the synthesis of liquid-crystal-functionalized, coresheath fibers via coaxial electrospinning and their novel optical properties and strong response functions, which are useful in wearable sensors. [6] Electrospun nonwoven membranes, which comprise a major portion of the scaffolds being studied for tissue engineering as well as various filters, have received significant attention with regard to their practical applications.…”

Anomalous piezoelectric properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene)/ionic liquid gels

“…Thus, solid-state P(VDF-TrFE) films with piezoelectric properties are used in wearable sensors, actuators, and vibration energy harvesters. [24][25][26][27][28] The disadvantage of using solid-state P(VDF-TrFE) films is their small electro-deformation (some actuators require a large deformation). The piezoelectric displacement depends on the softness of the material.…”