A Graphene/Ecoflex Reinforced Fabric (GERF) Capacitive Pressure Sensor by Increasing Dielectric and Mechanical Properties for Wide Sensing Range

In this study, we constructed an Ecoflex reinforced fabric capacitive pressure sensor (ERF sensor) with the objective of extending the pressure measurement range. This was achieved by employing warp knitted spacer fabric (WKSF) and Ecoflex. Furthermore, a Graphene/Ecoflex reinforced fabric capacitive pressure sensor (GERF sensor) was produced with an adjusted sensitivity using graphene. Subsequently, the performance of the fabricated sensors was evaluated utilizing a universal testing machine (UTM) and dielectric test fixture (DTF). The 15wt% GERF sensor can measure a maximum pressure range of 368.37 kPa, which is approximately 6 times and 13 times greater than those of Ecoflex and WKSF monomaterial sensors, respectively. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the GERF sensor with 15wt% graphene was 0.0194 kPa⁻¹, maintaining a level similar to that of the Ecoflex single-material sensor (0.0218 kPa⁻¹). This study presents a method for enhancing mechanical properties and expanding the pressure measurement range through compounding monomaterial, while adjusting sensitivity.