Fabrication and Investigation of Graphite-Flake-Composite-Based Non-Invasive Flex Multi-Functional Force, Acceleration, and Thermal Sensor

Micromachines (Basel). 2023 Jun 30;14(7):1358. doi: 10.3390/mi14071358.

Abstract

This work examines the physics of a non-invasive multi-functional elastic thin-film graphite flake-isoprene sulfone composite sensor. The strain design and electrical characterization of the stretching force, acceleration, and temperature were performed. The rub-in technique was used to fabricate graphite flakes and isoprene sulfone into sensors, which were then analyzed for their morphology using methods such as SEM, AFM, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to examine the device's surface and structure. Sensor impedance was measured from DC to 200 kHz at up to 20 gf, 20 m/s2, and 26-60 °C. Sensor resistance and impedance to stretching force and acceleration at DC and 200 Hz rose 2.4- and 2.6-fold and 2.01- and 2.06-fold, respectively. Temperature-measuring devices demonstrated 2.65- and 2.8-fold decreases in resistance and impedance at DC and 200 kHz, respectively. First, altering the graphite flake composite particle spacing may modify electronic parameters in the suggested multi-functional sensors under stress and acceleration. Second, the temperature impacts particle and isoprene sulfone properties. Due to their fabrication using an inexpensive deposition technique, these devices are environmentally friendly, are simple to build, and may be used in university research in international poverty-line nations. In scientific laboratories, such devices can be used to teach students how various materials respond to varying environmental circumstances. They may also monitor individuals undergoing physiotherapy and vibrating surfaces in a controlled setting to prevent public health risks.

Keywords: biodegradable; carbon compound electronics; environmental education; graphite nanoflakes composite; international poverty line; micro-technology; pollution-free.

Grants and funding

The authors are grateful to UCSI Universiti for funding this research.