MXene/CNC Network-Based Wearable Elastomeric Skins for Strain-Sensing Applications

MXene materials have been garnering attention since their discovery in 2011. Their enhanced electromechanical characteristics have been prominently used in composite sensors to detect fine and gross motor skills. This paper highlights the adaptability of MXene [Ti₃C₂Tₓ] as a viable electrical nanofiller for thin film flexible elastomer-based strain sensors. This study presents the development of flexible thin-film strain sensors using MXene (Ti₃C₂Tₓ)/Carbon Nanocones and nanodisks (CNC/CNDs) hybrid nanocomposites embedded in epichlorohydrin rubber via a scalable, solvent-based batch mixing process. The optimized ratio exhibited excellent strain sensitivity, with a high gauge factor of 3.35 and robust repeatability in detecting human gestures, displaying potential for direct technology transfer in wearable electronics, soft robotics, and biomedical monitoring, providing a green and efficient platform for human-machine interfacing.