Flexible and stretchable strain sensors fabricated by inkjet printing of silver nanowire-ecoflex composites

Recently, the fabrication of strain sensors with high sensitivity and high stretchability, which can precisely monitor subtle strains and large mechanical deformations exhibited by the human bodily motions, is critical for healthcare, human–machine interfaces, and biomedical electronics. However, a great challenge still exists i.e. achieving strain sensors with both high sensitivity and high stretchability by a facile, low-cost and scalable fabrication technique. Herein, this work reports Silver nanowires (AgNWs)/Ecoflex based composite strain sensors via inkjet printing technique which precisely deposits functional materials in a rapid, non-contact and maskless approach allowing high volume production. Noteworthily, the fabricated strain sensor display many fascinating features, including high sensitivity (a gauge factor of 13.7), a broad strain sensing range over 30%, excellent stability and reliability (>1000 cycles), and low monitoring limit (<5% strain). These remarkable features allow the strain sensor to effectively monitor various human motions. This work opens up a new path for fabricating nanocomposite thin film-based strain sensors for wearable electronics.