Linearly sensitive and flexible pressure sensor based on porous carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane composite structure

Abstract

We developed a simple, low-cost process to fabricate a flexible pressure sensor with linear sensitivity by using a porous carbon nanotube (CNT)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite structure (CPCS). The working principle of this pressure sensor is based on the change in electrical resistance caused by the contact/non-contact of the CNT tip on the surface of the pores under pressure. The mechanical and electrical properties of the CPCSs could be quantitatively controlled by adjusting the concentration of CNTs. The fabricated flexible pressure sensor showed linear sensitivity and excellent performance with regard to repeatability, hysteresis, and reliability. Furthermore, we showed that the sensor could be applied for human motion detection, even when attached to curved surfaces.