Flexible tactile sensors using screen-printed P(VDF-TrFE) and MWCNT/PDMS composites

Abstract

This paper presents and compares two different types of screen-printed flexible and conformable pressure sensors arrays. In both variants, the flexible pressure sensors are in the form of segmental arrays of parallel plate structure - sandwiching the piezoelectric polymer polyvinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene [P(VDF-TrFE)] between two printed metal layers of silver (Ag) in one case and the piezoresistive [multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) mixed with poly(dimethylsiloxane (PDMS)] layer in the other. Each sensor module consists of 4 × 4 sensors array with 1-mm × 1 -mm sensitive area of each sensor. The screen-printed piezoelectric sensors array exploits the change in polarization level of P(VDF-TrFE) to detect dynamic tactile parameter such as contact force. Similarly, the piezoresistive sensors array exploits the change in resistance of the bulk printed layer of MWCNT/PDMS composite. The two variants are compared on the basis of fabrication by printing on plastic substrate, ease of processing and handling of the materials, compatibility of the dissimilar materials in multilayers structure, adhesion, and finally according to the response to the normal compressive forces. The foldable pressure sensors arrays are completely realized using screen-printing technology and are targeted toward realizing low-cost electronic skin.