Development of a PDMS/ZnO/Gr piezoelectric tactile sensor and its exploration in intelligent applications

This study investigates the preparation, performance, and intelligent applications of a composite piezoelectric sensor based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, and graphene (Gr). The effects of different component ratios on the piezoelectric and mechanical properties of the material were systematically studied. The results showed that the maximum voltage reached 21.30 V when the PDMS:ZnO:Gr ratio was 5:2:0.3%, demonstrating excellent piezoelectric performance. Additionally, the influence of ZnO and Gr filling on the mechanical properties of the material was assessed, revealing a trade-off between piezoelectricity and flexibility. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the morphology of the composites, providing insights into the dispersion of ZnO and Gr within the PDMS matrix. Furthermore, the developed piezoelectric sensor was explored for its potential in smart applications, including tactile pressure and frequency recognition, as well as tactile recognition based on convolutional neural networks. The sensor was able to detect and differentiate between various materials, demonstrating its feasibility for intelligent interaction and recognition systems. These findings lay a foundation for the development of high-performance, flexible piezoelectric sensors and open up new avenues for the application of piezoelectric materials in the field of intelligence.