PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION

2023

Fabric-like Electrospun PVAc–Graphene Nanofiber Webs as Wearable and Degradable Piezocapacitive Sensors

Sengupta D, Lu L, et al.

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

University of Groningen

RESEARCH SUMMARY
This study developed electrospun polyvinyl acetate (PVAc)–graphene nanofiber membranes as degradable piezocapacitive pressure sensors for wearable electronics and soft human–machine interfaces. Incorporation of graphene nanofillers significantly enhanced dielectric properties and pressure sensitivity while preserving mechanical flexibility. The sensors demonstrated reliable performance across a wide pressure range, low hysteresis, and fast response times. Extensive cyclic loading tests confirmed mechanical robustness and long-term durability. Functional demonstrations included gait monitoring, muscle activation sensing, respiration monitoring, and posture detection, highlighting the suitability of the materials for wearable and transient electronic applications.

CELLSCALE INSTRUMENT USED

UniVert

Mechanical characterization was performed using a CellScale UniVert system. Uniaxial compression testing quantified compressive stress–strain behavior and hysteresis of the nanofiber sensor assemblies under cyclic loading. Tensile testing measured elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation at break of the graphene-reinforced nanofiber membranes. The UniVert was also used to conduct accelerated fatigue testing involving repeated cyclic tactile loading to assess long-term mechanical durability and performance stability of the sensors.
AUTHORS

Debarun Sengupta, Liqiang Lu, Diego Ribas Gomes, Bayu Jayawardhana, Yutao Pei, Ajay Giri Prakash Kottapalli.

PUBLICATION DETAILS
JOURNAL

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

YEAR

2023

INSTITUTIONS

University of Groningen

COUNTRIES

Netherlands

INSTRUMENT USED

UniVert

TESTING METHODS

Compression TestingFatigue TestingTensile Testing

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

Material Fatigue and DurabilityPolymers and Elastomers TestingSoft Robotics MaterialsWearable Bioelectronics

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