HIGHLY SENSITIVE AND FLEXIBLE STRAIN SENSOR BASED ON DIRECT PRINTING OF MIXTURE OF METAL NANOPARTICLES AND CARBON NANOTUBES, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREFOR

摘要

Disclosed are a method for manufacturing a flexible strain sensor and a flexible strain sensor manufactured thereby. A predetermined conductive wiring pattern is directly printed on one surface of a flexible substrate by high-speed spraying, and then covered with a flexible cover and bonded, thus sandwiching the conductive wiring pattern therebetween. A composite nanomaterial prepared by mixing metal nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes is excited by aerodynamically controlling pumping timing and sprayed in an aerosolized state onto the surface of a flexible substrate via spray nozzles. A sprayed printing raw material mixture collides with the surface of the flexible substrate to form cracks in the surface thereof, and carbon nanotubes permeate into the cracks to be mechanically locked with the flexible substrate and fixed therein. Metal nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes are deposited thereon to a predetermined width and height, and thus the conductive wiring pattern of a strain sensor is directly printed. This direct printing may be performed in a low-pressure atmosphere and at room temperature without using a solvent, a resin, or the like. After the direct printing, a separate chemical post-treatment or heat treatment is not required.