Strain Sensing Properties of Graphene/Elastic Fabric

Abstract

The smart fabric is a new material that began to develop in the 1990s, and on the basis of the nature and function of original material, it joined the features of intelligent perception. On the performance, intelligent fiber can sense the changes of heat, light, chemistry, mechanical, temperature, and electromagnetic, then react accordingly. For smart textiles, the sensor is the core part, now most commonly used micro/nano strain sensor are using silicon and zinc oxide and others inorganic as main material. But inorganic materials have limited deformation ability, once deformation occurs, the sensor will be strictly damaged. So, the development of flexible, high sensitivity, wide range of strain of the flexible intelligent fiber strain sensor has a very important application prospect. For the stretch-able sensor, the prepared conductive material must be placed on the substrate of the flexible polymer. In this paper, graphene is used as conductive material to construct an orderly conductive layer. Waterborne polyurethane was used as dispersant and adhesive, then strengthen the interface between the layer of conductive material and elastic fabric binding force, and finally prepare a kind of high sensitivity, wide strain range, stable performance and high elastic intelligent fibers.

Graphene and water-based elastomer nanocomposites – a review

“…Several reports have demonstrated the ability of graphene to achieve remarkable sensitivity in several materials as recently documented by Miao et al [277]. As such G-WBEC possess great prospect for the development of next generation of gas-sensors, bio-sensors, chemical sensors, and pressure sensors, as well as EMI shielding systems [15], [263], [270], [278], with outstanding performance capabilities.…”

“…Employing G-WBEC in textiles has the capability of providing camouflaging functions that can be utilised in high-tech military operations. Thus, G-WBEC offers opportunity for strong and smart e-textile clothing [267]- [270], leathers and papers that can be employed in body temperature/health monitoring. In addition to its potential for the development of multifunctional fabric and paper filters for various applications such as shoe fabric and sole coatings.…”

“…In addition to its potential for the development of multifunctional fabric and paper filters for various applications such as shoe fabric and sole coatings. Recent study by Shaun et al on GO/WPU composite demonstrated that developing wearable e-textile with strain sensing and high-elastic capability is achievable [270]. Also of note is the high level of washability that can be achieved in such G-WBEC textile materials.…”