The Piezoresistive Highly Elastic Sensor Based on Carbon Nanotubes for the Detection of Breath

Abstract

Wearable electronic sensor was prepared on a light and flexible substrate. The breathing sensor has a broad assumption and great potential for portable devices in wearable technology. In the present work, the application of a flexible thermoplastic polyurethane/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (TPU/MWCNTs) strain sensor was demonstrated. This composite was prepared by a novel technique using a thermoplastic filtering membrane based on electrospinning technology. Aqueous dispersion of MWCNTs was filtered through membrane, dried and then welded directly on a T-shirt and encapsulated by a thin silicone layer. The sensing layer was also equipped by electrodes. A polymer composite sensor is capable of detecting a deformation by changing its electrical resistance. A T-shirt was capable of analyzing a type, frequency and intensity of human breathing. The sensitivity to the applied strain of the sensor was improved by the oxidation of MWCNTs by potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) and also by subsequent application of the prestrain.