A Novel Resistive Sensor Network Utilizing an SAP-Enhanced Ionic Layer and CNT Doping for Multipoint Pressure Measurement

Abstract

Amidst the rapid advancements in flexible electronics, flexible pressure sensors have achieved widespread applications in fields such as wearable devices and motion monitoring. Nevertheless, it is still a challenge to design a sensor with high sensitivity, cost-effectiveness, and a simplified manufacturing process. This paper introduces a piezoresistive sensor built upon a composite conductive filler. The sensor incorporates a super absorbent polymer (SAP) to absorb a phosphoric acid solution and doped carbon nanotubes as the composite conductive filler. In contrast to conventional rigid conductive fillers, the elastic polymer SAP enhances the sensor’s stability significantly by exhibiting superior compatibility with the polydimethylsiloxane matrix, all the while reducing its Young’s modulus. This work aims to theoretically elucidate the underlying principles that enable the sensor to achieve high sensitivity. It focuses on the induction of charge carriers due to pressure, which leads to the formation of a conductive pathway and subsequent changes in resistance, thus facilitating precise pressure detection. The paper also discusses the effects of piezoresistive layers with varying thicknesses and conductive fillers on the sensor’s output performance. The results highlight the sensor’s high sensitivity (0.094 kPa ^–1), rapid response time (105 ms), and exceptional cyclic load/unload stability (>5000 cycles). Furthermore, this paper establishes a versatile sensing network by integrating a portable inductance, capacitance, and resistance instrument with a programmable logic controller module. Compared to individual sensors, this system enables multipoint measurements, offering high spatial resolution and real-time monitoring capabilities, significantly expanding its overall practicality.