FLEXIBLE SENSORS INCORPORATING PIEZORESISTIVE COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND FABRICATION METHODS

摘要

Flexible sensors incorporating piezoresistive composite materials and their fabrication methods are provided. A flexible sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoresistive element comprising piezoresistive composite material arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode. Piezoresistive composite materials include a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and a conductive filler material (e.g., carbon), and have an elastic modulus value of preferably less than about 1×10^−3 GPa. Piezoresistive composite material may be placed between electrodes, and exhibit a change in electrical resistance responsive to a change in pressure applied thereto. Piezoresistive composite materials may be fabricated by fused filament fabrication (FFF) three-dimensional (3D) printing or molding. Exemplary flexible sensors may have a thickness and a feel similar to human skin, may be amenable to simple fabrication techniques, and can be manufactured into user-specific geometries.