Printed capacitive and resistive mechanical sensors using inks based on two-dimensional materials and carbon nanotube dispersions

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The use of sensors covers a wide range of applications such as the monitoring of systems and structures in automotive, marine and aerospace industries, to the subtle detection of skin and muscle movements for controlling prosthetics. Current sensor technology can be costly to manufacture, install and maintain, whilst wearable sensors can be cumbersome, requiring portable electronics. The use of printed graphic technology based sensors could potentially overcome these problems by providing rapid prototyping and mass production at low cost on flexible materials and contribute towards the development of the interconnected network of physical devices with embedded electronics which has now become known as the Internet of Things.In this project, we will develop ink-jet and screen-printed sensors using inks based on single layered two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene, and carbon nanotube tube dispersions forming the conductive pathways to measure pressure changes or forces. The project will adopt ink formulations under development in the Nanofunctional Materials Group, School of Materials at the University of Manchester and from other collaborative groups. The sensors will adopt two designs - (i) resistive strain gauge and (ii) in-plane capacitive strain gauge. Pressure changes or forces will deflect a flexible substrate resulting in elastic deformation which will be measured by the surface-printed sensor. In developing these sensors it is intended that the project will work towards paving the way for printing on plastic or paper and towards showing a proof of concept for inexpensive and disposable sensors for the Internet of Things.