Optimization of Graphene infused Natural Rubber Sensing Film and Polydimethylsiloxane for Flexible Pressure Sensor

Abstract

A flexible and stretchable pressure sensor offers significant benefits in human-computer interaction, healthcare, and tactile sensing in robots. We present a novel study optimising Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and graphene-infused unvulcanised natural rubber sensing film to increase sensor sensitivity and dielectric permittivity. By optimising the PDMS thickness uniformity, NR-G film’s impedance and capacitance-pressure loading response, it is possible to enhance the pressure sensor's sensitivity across a wide pressure range, covering human finger motion. With our synthesized homogenous 5wt% of NRG composite, a capacitance value of 193pF was achieved when applying pressure of 150 kPa at a frequency of 0.5 Hz. Excellent sensitivity and dielectric permittivity of 0.020 kPa^-1 and 109.1, respectively, which is ~ 6.5 folds higher than pure NR. PDMS thickness of 300μm with ±3% uniformity was achieved using 90s spin time and 200rpm spin speed. This optimisation of sensing material and substrate is important in developing wearable sensors having applications in soft robotics, health monitoring electronics, and soft human-machine interfaces.