Tracking the Progress Development of Stretchable Strain Sensor in Different Applications Based on Clustered Review Studies

Abstract

Strain sensors made of metals and semiconductors have stiff limitations, are challenging to install on curved surfaces and are limited in deformation. To overcome these problems, many researchers have developed flexible sensors. This article will discuss the process of making flexible strain sensors with Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology. The performance characteristics of flexible strain sensors will also be studied, including stretchability, sensitivity or gauge factor (GF), response and recovery time, linearity and durability. The results of the review show that 3D Printing Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Direct Ink Writing (DIW) technologies have the advantage of manufacturing complex shapes, producing minimum waste, and being faster than conventional manufacturing. In principle, flexible strain sensors consist of conductive materials and flexible materials. In the process of making flexible strain sensors using FDM technology, sensors are made using flexible conductive filaments, while DIW technology is made using conductive ink. In other words, flexible strain sensors using additive manufacturing are promising to be used in detecting the human body, sports, health monitoring, and soft robotics.