High-sensitivity flexible strain sensor based on direct printing of mixture of metal nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

Disclosed are a flexible strain sensor and a method for manufacturing the same. A conductive line pattern is directly printed on a flexible substrate by jetting a printing material mixture of metal nanoparticles and CNTs at a high impact speed, and sandwiched between the flexible substrate and a flexible cover. The mixture is excited by aerodynamically controlling pumping timing and jetted onto the flexible substrate in an aerosolized state through a nozzle. The jetted mixture collides with the surface of the flexible substrate to create cracks, and then CNTs penetrate into the cracks and are mechanically locked with the flexible substrate. Subsequently, metal nanoparticles and CNTs are deposited thereon to a predetermined width and height, forming the conductive line pattern. This direct printing can be performed in a low pressure and at room temperature without using solvents or resins, thus no need for additional chemical post-treatment or heat treatment.