Three-dimensional surface strain sensor based on PDMS/LIG composite film with adjustable electromechanical performance

Flexible strain sensors play a crucial role in health monitoring, smart wearable devices, and human–machine interaction. Three-dimensional surface evaluation methods for strain sensors offer advantages by being closer to actual strain, featuring a larger working range, and being more suitable for multidirectional strain. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) surface strain sensor based on polydimethylsiloxane/laser-induced graphene (PDMS/LIG) composite films has been developed. The electromechanical properties of this sensor, encompassing 3D strain range and sensitivity, can be adjusted by manipulating laser parameters and LIG patterns. The key to attaining these specific characteristics lies in the intentional design of crack types and orientations on the sensor's surface. Remarkably, the line-vertical (LV) sensor exhibits outstanding sensitivity with a GF of 211.3. The line-parallel (LP) sensor achieves a GF of 115.1. Additionally, it demonstrates a stretching range of 25% and maintains stable performance over an extensive number of strain/release test cycles (more than 3000 cycles). With these advantages, the 3D strain sensor can not only be applied in human activity monitoring but also monitoring pressure within microchannels in microfluidic chips, suggesting promising applications in the health and medical fields.