Flexible airflow-strain dual response sensor with high sensitivity based on polyurethane conductive fiber flocked carbon fibers

Abstract

Fluffy airflow sensors have unique advantages in the field of non-contact sensing, while strain sensors have more advantages in the field of contact sensing. However, it remains a challenge for a sensor to simultaneously detect both airflow and strain with fast response time and high sensitivity. Combining of strain sensing and airflow sensing allows for a simultaneous response to both contact and non-contact stimuli. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time a facile approach for creating flexible airflow and strain dual response sensors based on polyurethane substrate flocked with carbon fibers. The effective transduction of airflow and cyclic strain stimuli into the electrical resistance signals enables instantaneous sensing with an high sensitivity (157.5% s m^− 1) and an fast response time (37 ms). Furthermore, the sensor can easily detect subtle strain (0.1%) and low velocity airflow (0.117 m s^− 1) from the perceived object. With their outstanding sensing performance, these dual response sensors are more sensitive to sound waves than airflow response sensors. Particularly, they can effectively distinguish faint signals from detected objects. Taking the advantage of the sensor, precise control and monitoring in wearable device, industrial process, aerospace, medical equipment and intelligent home furnishing system are expected.