Stretchable strain sensor with a hollow structure via molding for visual detection of 3D deformation

Abstract Various techniques have been developed to fabricate flexible sensors for applications in human-computer interaction and health monitoring. However, the accurate detection of 3D deformation using flexible sensors remains a challenge. In this study, a stretchable strain sensor with a hollow structure was developed for the dual-channel detection of 3D deformation. The sensor was fabricated using a molding technique and a mixture of graphene and Ecoflex and then coated with a layer of thermochromic material. The sensor was applied to detect the volume change of a sphere, and changes in the resistance and color of the sensor from Joule heating were simultaneously observed. The sensor has high detection accuracy and operational reliability and can be applied for the visual detection of 3D deformation.