Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-Based Flexible Resistive Strain Sensors for Wearable Applications

• Main Authors: Jing Chen, Jiahong Zheng, Qinwu Gao, Jinjie Zhang, Jinyong Zhang, Olatunji Mumini Omisore, Lei Wang, Hui Li
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-02-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: wearable electronics; strain sensors; flexible substrate; PDMS
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/8/3/345

There is growing attention and rapid development on flexible electronic devices with electronic materials and sensing technology innovations. In particular, strain sensors with high elasticity and stretchability are needed for several potential applications including human entertainment technology, human–machine interface, personal healthcare, and sports performance monitoring, etc. This article presents recent advancements in the development of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based flexible resistive strain sensors for wearable applications. First of all, the article shows that PDMS-based stretchable resistive strain sensors are successfully fabricated by different methods, such as the filtration method, printing technology, micromolding method, coating techniques, and liquid phase mixing. Next, strain sensing performances including stretchability, gauge factor, linearity, and durability are comprehensively demonstrated and compared. Finally, potential applications of PDMS-based flexible resistive strain sensors are also discussed. This review indicates that the era of wearable intelligent electronic systems has arrived.