Preparation of PAMgA/LiCl/GL Anti‐Freezing Conductive Hydrogel for Wearable Strain Sensors

ABSTRACT As important carrier materials for wearable strain sensors, conductive hydrogels have potential application value. However, the complex and diverse application scenarios put forward higher requirements on the conductivity, anti‐freezing, tensile, self‐healing, adhesion, and moisture retention properties of the conductive hydrogel. In this study, conductive filler lithium chloride (LiCl) and antifreeze filler glycerol (GL) were introduced into the polymagnesium acrylate (PAMgA) hydrogel system. The PAMgA/LiCl/GL antifreeze conductive hydrogel was prepared using free radical polymerization. The addition of GL not only improved the anti‐freezing properties of the hydrogel but also enhanced its moisture retention and adhesion properties. The addition of LiCl increased the conductivity of the hydrogel. Furthermore, PAMgA/LiCl/GL (30 wt%) conductive hydrogel also exhibited good mechanical properties, fatigue resistance, self‐healing properties, and strain‐sensing properties. This conductive hydrogel can accurately monitor human joint movements as a wearable strain sensor.