Fabrication and Characterization of Flexible Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors Using Spinosum Structured PANI/PVA Hydrogel

Abstract In this study, flexible piezoresistive pressure sensors with a spinosum structure surface were fabricated from Polyaniline/Polyvinyl Alcohol (PANI/PVA) hydrogel. First, PANI powder was fabricated and mixed with a PVA solution. The mixture was blended at a 1:1 ratio with a 10% PVA solution before this solution was scraped on two types of abrasive paper to replicate the spinosum microstructure. The hydrogel thin films were dried at ambient temperature and then carefully removed from the abrasive paper to obtain the spinosum micro structured PANI/PVA hydrogel thin films. The spinosum structure and the phase of the hydrogel thin films were evaluated. The mechanical strength of the hydrogel thin film was assessed using a stress-strain curve. According to the results, the pore sizes of the spinosum microstructure affected the resistance and mechanical strength of the hydrogel thin film. The piezoresistive pressure sensors were capable of producing current responses to different masses. Furthermore, the sensors were able to identify different calligraphic styles, demonstrating their potential for biometric recognition and personalized electronics applications.