Synergistic Effect of Ethylcellulose/Terpineol on Graphene Oxide Network for Development of Highly Piezoresistive Inks

Graphene oxide (GO) has attracted huge interest due its exceptional properties, being widely applied in many applications such as: flexible sensors, biomaterials, coatings, and energy storage. However, the direct application of these materials in their pure form is challenging due to their tendency to agglomerate and hard processability. To overcome these limitations, GO is often combined with other materials, giving rise to composites, hybrid mixtures, conductive inks, and structured films, expanding their application possibilities in different technologies. Thus, properties such as piezoresistivity can be explored allowing their use in the development of deformation and impact sensors, structural monitoring devices, and intelligent detection systems. In this study, the piezoresistivity of GO ink on different surfaces is investigated, analyzing how the combination of GO with ethylcellulose and terpineol influences its electrical and mechanical properties. A complete characterization is carried out to understand the polymeric interactions of the ink. A gauge factor of up to 30, in polyetherimide substract, is observed with a strain of 2% and low hysteresis.