Mechanically robust and electrically conductive nanofiber composites with enhanced interfacial interaction for strain sensing

Electrically conductive fiberfibre/fabric composites (ECFCs) are competitive candidates for use in wearable electronics. Therefore, it is essential to develop mechanically robust ECFC strain sensors with sensing performance. In this study, MXene assembly and hot-pressing were combined to prepare strong yet breathable ECFCs for strain and temperature sensing. Hydrogen bonding between MXene and polyurethane (PU) and ultrasonication-induced interfacial sintering were responsible for MXene nanosheets assembly on the PU nanofibers. MXene decoration made PU nanofibers electrically conductive, resulting in a conductive network. Hot-pressing improved interface adhesion among the conductive nanofibers. Thus, the mechanical properties of the nanofiber composites, including tensile strength, toughness and fracture energy, are enhanced. The nanofiber composites exhibited surface stability and durability. When the nanofiber composites were used as strain sensors, they showed breathability with a linear resistance response ranging from 1 % to 100 % and cycling stability. In addition, they produced stable sensing signals over 1000 cycles when a notch was present. They could also monitor temperature variations with a negative temperature coefficient (−0.146 %/°C). This study provides an interfacial regulation method for the preparation of multi-functional nanofiber composites with potential applications in flexible and wearable electronics.