A Highly Elastic, Strain-Insensitive, Wearable Pressure–Temperature Dual-Mode Sensor

Dual-mode sensors that mimic human skin are widely used in wearable devices because they can provide multidimensional interaction information with humans and the environment, especially for health monitoring. However, signal interference, poor performance, and cost-effectiveness challenges restrict its practical application. Here, a highly elastic, strain-insensitive, wearable pressure-temperature dual-mode sensor was prepared based on continuous composite additive manufacturing technology. Core-shell fibrous piezoelectric films prepared by coaxial electrospinning were utilized to enhance the mechanical robustness and sensing performances of pressure-sensing unit. The diamond-shaped network cross-layer interconnection structure of the temperature-sensing unit prepared by direct ink writing (DIW) endowed it with excellent temperature-sensing performance and strain-insensitive properties. The developed dual-mode sensor exhibited a pressure sensitivity of 24.3 mV/N (0-50 N), nearly symmetric response and recovery times (11 and 12 ms), a temperature sensitivity of -0.012 /°C (25-55 °C), a fast 0.97 s temperature response time, and an outstanding mutual interference immunity. It can not only serve as a tactile sensor to simultaneously perceive external temperature and pressure but also be combined with algorithms for pressure ulcer prevention in the heel. The remarkable performance of the dual-mode sensor confers substantial potential for its application in supporting clinical monitoring of body temperature under mechanical loading conditions.