Researchers create washable sensor that can be woven into materials

Science Daily  May 16, 2019
Researchers in Canada have developed a low‐cost, tunable, and stretchable sensor fabric based on spandex yarns coated with graphene nanoplatelets through a dip‐coating process. It is wrapped into a stretchable silicone rubber sheath to protect the conductive layer against harsh conditions, which allows for fabricating washable wearable sensors. The covering sheath is tailored to achieve high stretchability beyond the sensing limit of 104%. Adjustable sensitivity is attained by manipulating spandex yarn immersion times. The testing indicates that further improvements in its accuracy could be achieved by fine-tuning the sensor’s material blend and improving its electrical conductivity and sensitivity. The research is still new, the sensor may pave the way for smart clothing that can monitor human movement…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE