Abstract:
Nanofiber fabrics of P(VDF-TrFE) with varied VDF content were prepared by electrospinning. A new flexible force sensor was fabricated based on nanofiber fabrics and flexible electrode, which would be used in medical treatments and clothing. The morphology and crystal structure of the nanofiber fabrics were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometer. Flexible force sensors were tested with a selfmade setup. Characterization results of nanofibers show that electrospun nanofibers have higher crystalline and β phase content, with the content of β phase in P(VDF-TrFE)(n(VDF)/n(TrFE)=77/23) nanofibers reaching 51.3%. Furthermore, the nanofiber fabrics have some advantages such as good flexibility, air permeability and biocompatibility. Sensor testing results show that flexible force sensors have good response to external force. The highest sensitivity of 60.5 mV/N is found with the sensor based on P(VDF-TrFE)(n(VDF)/n(TrFE)=77/23) fabrics, which is close to the sensitivity of its plastic film sensor, but the plastic film sensor does not contain good flexibility and permeability, unlike the fabrics sensor.