Strain sensor can be stretched to the limit

To demonstrate the sensor’s utility, the researchers at North Carolina State University developed new health monitoring and human-machine interface devices.

Strain is a measurement of how much a material deforms from its original length, and measuring strain is useful in applications including devices that measure blood pressure and technologies that track physical movement.

“But to date there’s been a trade-off. Strain sensors that are sensitive – capable of detecting small deformations – cannot be stretched very far. On the other hand, sensors that can be stretched to greater lengths are typically not very sensitive. The new sensor we’ve developed is both sensitive and capable of withstanding significant deformation,” said Yong Zhu, corresponding author of a paper on the work and the Andrew A. Adams Distinguished Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at NC State.

“An additional feature is that the sensor is highly robust even when over-strained, meaning it is unlikely to break when the applied strain accidently exceeds the sensing range.”

The new sensor consists of a silver nanowire network embedded in an elastic polymer. The polymer features a pattern of parallel cuts of a uniform depth, alternating from either side of the material: one cut from the left, followed by one from the right, followed by one from the left, and so on.

“This feature – the patterned cuts – is what enables a greater range of deformation without sacrificing sensitivity,” said Shuang Wu, first author of the paper and a recent Ph.D. graduate at NC State.

The sensor measures strain by measuring changes in electrical resistance; as the material stretches, resistance increases. According to NC State, the cuts in the surface of the sensor are perpendicular to the direction that it is stretched, which fulfils two purposes. First, the cuts allow the sensor to deform significantly. Because the cuts in the surface pull open, creating a zigzag pattern, the material can withstand substantial deformation without reaching the breaking point. Second, when the cuts pull open, this forces the electrical signal to travel further, traveling up and down the zigzag.

“To demonstrate the sensitivity of the new sensors, we used them to create new wearable blood pressure devices,” Zhu said in a statement. “And to demonstrate how far the sensors can be deformed, we created a wearable device for monitoring motion in a person’s back, which has utility for physical therapy.”

“We have also demonstrated a human-machine interface,” said Wu. “Specifically, we used the sensor to create a three-dimensional touch controller that can be used to control a video game.”

“The sensor can be easily incorporated into existing wearable materials such as fabrics and athletic tapes, convenient for practical applications,” said Zhu. “And all of this is just scratching the surface. We think there will be a range of additional applications as we continue working with this technology.”

The paper, “Highly Sensitive, Stretchable, and Robust Strain Sensor Based on Crack Propagation and Opening,” is published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.