posted on 2021-02-23, 12:40authored byBohdan Kulyk, Beatriz F. R. Silva, Alexandre F. Carvalho, Sara Silvestre, António J. S. Fernandes, Rodrigo Martins, Elvira Fortunato, Florinda M. Costa
The
ability to synthesize laser-induced graphene (LIG) on cellulosic
materials such as paper opens the door to a wide range of potential
applications, from consumer electronics to biomonitoring. In this
work, strain and bending sensors fabricated by irradiation of regular
filter paper with a CO2 laser are presented. A systematic
study of the influence of the different process parameters on the
conversion of cellulose fibers into LIG is undertaken, by analyzing
the resulting morphology, structure, conductivity, and surface chemistry.
The obtained material is characterized by porous electrically conductive
weblike structures with sheet resistances reaching as low as 32 Ω
sq–1. The functionality of both strain (gauge factor
of ≈42) and bending sensors is demonstrated for different sensing
configurations, emphasizing the versatility and potential of this
material for low-cost, sustainable, and environmentally friendly mechanical
sensing.