A Facile Realization Scheme for Tactile Sensing with a Structured Silver Nanowire‐PDMS Composite

Abstract To mimic the sensing function of human skin, the rational design of force‐sensitive materials is highly required for sensors. Here, a facile design of resistive‐type tactile sensors based on a structured silver nanowire‐polydimethylsiloxane composite is reported for applications in electronic skins and wearable electronics. The composite has a hollow microstructure of interconnected channels, and the inner surface of the channels is a conductive layer consisting of silver nanowires. The sensing function to external force is realized by measuring the resistance change upon deforming. The deforming causes the distance change of silver nanowires and the contact‐area change of the inner surfaces. Such a unique structure promises a robust mechanical property due to the half‐embedded silver nanowires which are free of peeling off, and also makes it possible to control the device sensitivity by its mechanical structure and the elastic property of the polydimethylsiloxane. The results show that the composite has steady‐state responses to various pressures and stretches, even to mouth blowing, a response time of ≈90 ms, and favorable repeatability over 2000 cycles of bending/unbending. The 3D structure enables pressing, bending, pulling and torsional force sensing, and promises real‐time monitoring of various human motions ranging from blood pulses to joint movements.