Facile preparation of highly stretchable TPU/Ag nanowire strain sensor with spring-like configuration

Abstract

Stretchable nano-fibers have attracted dramatic attention for the utility in wearable and flexible electronics. In the present case, Ag nanowires (AgNWs)-intertwined thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) unwoven nano-membrane is fabricated by an electrospinning method and dip coating technique. Then a strain sensor with a spring-like configuration is fabricated by a twisted method. The sensor exhibits superior electrical conductivity up to 3990 S.cm-1 due to the high weight percentage of the Ag nanowires. Additionally, thanks to the free-standing spring-like configuration that consists of uniform neat loops, the strain sensor can detect a superior strain up to 900% at the point the sensor ruptures. On the other hand, the configuration can mostly protect the AgNWs from falling off. Furthermore, major human motion detection, like movement of a human forefinger, and minor human motion detection, such as a wrist pulse, show the possible application of the sensor in the field of flexible electronics.