Solvent-assisted electrospun fibers with ultrahigh stretchability and strain sensing capabilities

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Abstract
Large strain flexible strain sensors have recently been the focus of many studies due to their wide range of applications in wearable technologies. However, development of a thin, conformable, and flexible strain sensor with a high maximum stretchability and a high gauge factor has still remained a challenge. In resistive-type sensors specifically, there is a trade-off between these two competing factors which has left a gap in development of large strain flexible strain sensors. To increase the sensitivity of the sensor, tuning the microstructure of the sensor through introducing a larger surface area is suggested. Using a solvent-assisted electrospinning technique and a highly stretchable copolymer of styrenebutadiene-styrene, super elastic mats composed of microfibers with a large surface area are obtained. Coating the fibers with different conductive materials and coating methods, a flexible strain sensor able to detect up to 1000% strain is fabricated. The sensors also show low hysteresis under cyclic-induced applied loadings.
Funding Information
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
  • Canada Foundation for Innovation

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