Fabrication and characterization of a flexible capacitive sensor on PET fabric

Purpose There is a developing interest in flexible sensors, especially in the new and intelligent generation of textiles. The purpose of this paper is to fabricate a flexible capacitive sensor on a PET fabric and to investigate some affecting factor on its performance. Design/methodology/approach PET fabric, coated with graphite or with graphite/PEDOT:PSS, was applied as electrodes. Two types of electrospun nanoweb layers from polyamide and polyvinyl alcohol polymers were used as dielectrics. Some factors including electrode area, fabric conductivity, fabric roughness, dielectric thickness, dielectric insulation type and vertical pressure were considered as independent variables. The capacity of the sensor and its detection threshold considered as the outcome (response) variables. Control samples were fabricated by using aluminum plates and cellulosic layer as electrodes and dielectric, respectively. Findings Results showed that post-coating with PEDOT:PSS would improve the conductivity of electrodes up to 300 Ω in comparison with just graphite-coated samples. It was also found that either by improving the conductivity or increasing the area of electrode plates the sensitivity of sample would be increased in pressure stimulating tests. Originality/value The fabric sensor showed remarkable response toward pressure with a lower detection threshold of 30mN/cm 2 (obtained capacity ~ 4×104 pF) in comparison with aluminum electrode sensors.