E-Skin Pressure Sensors Made by Laser Engraved PDMS Molds

• Main Authors: Andreia dos Santos, Nuno Pinela, Pedro Alves, Rodrigo Santos, Elvira Fortunato, Rodrigo Martins, Hugo Águas, Rui Igreja
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-11-01
• Series: Proceedings
• Subjects: electronic skin; piezoresistivity; laser engraving; blood pressure; robotics; prosthesis
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3900/2/13/1039

This work describes the production of electronic-skin (e-skin) piezoresistive sensors, which micro-structuration is performed using laser engraved molds. With this fabrication approach, low-cost sensors are easily produced with a tailored performance. Sensors with micro-cones and a high sensitivity of −1 kPa⁻¹ under 600 Pa are more adequate for the blood pressure wave detection, while sensors micro-structured with semi-spheres and a maximum sensitivity of −6 × 10⁻³ kPa⁻¹ in a large pressure range (1.6 kPa to 100 kPa) are more suitable for robotics and functional prosthesis.