Highly stretchable and mulfunctional sensor based on PVDF-TrFE/Fe3O4 composites nanofibres to discriminate texture characteristics

Abstract

Recently, stretchable and flexible sensors that can mimic human skin have received widespread attention. Piezoelectric nanofibres are widely used in biomedical, health detection, human-computer collaboration and motion monitoring due to their flexibility, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Herein, a stretchable piezoelectric multifunctional sensor based on PVDF-TrFE/Fe₃O₄ composite nanofibres and inspired by a serpentine structure is proposed. Moreover, the fabrication method of the flexible stretchable sensor and its working principle are presented in detail. This obtained sensor reveals strong mechanical properties of a superior bending sensing characteristic at diverse bending angles, an ultimate linear sensing pressure of 80 kPa and an excellent frequency sensing range of 1–100Hz. Thus, the serpentine structure allows the sensor to detect not only planar excitation but also to respond multifunctionally to directional bending, pressure and vibration. Additionally, repeatability experiments of the sensor under different sensing characteristics verified the excellent stability and reliability of the sensor. Meanwhile, identification in different texture characteristics can be realized by this sensor. This work offers essential research value and practical significance for the sensor materials, novel structures and wearable applications of stretchable flexible sensors.