Flexible and Wearable Sensors, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Micromachines (ISSN 2072-666X). This special issue belongs to the section "A:Physics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 15040

Special Issue Editors

Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
Interests: flexible sensor; flexible and wearable electronics; 3D printing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
National Key Laboratory of Micro/Nano Fabrication Technology, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
Interests: flexible electronics; MEMS; flexible sensor
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Instrumental and Electrical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
Interests: electrostatic spinning-based flexible microsystems integration; flexible electronics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Due to their favorable flexibility and adaptability, flexible and wearable electronics have exhibited enormous potential in human–machine interaction, robotics, and healthcare monitoring. Consequently, they have become one of the most popular and rapidly growing areas in novel interdisciplinary research, both domestic and international. As the core components of flexible electronics, the excellent flexibility sensing performance of flexible and wearable sensors are important guarantees for such technology. Accordingly, this Special Issue seeks to showcase research papers, short communications, and review articles that focus on:

  1. Novel structural designs, material fabrication, signal processing, and modeling of flexible and wearable sensors based on all kinds of mechanisms;
  2. The MEMS technique of wearable and flexible sensors and simulation process of theoretical modeling;
  3. Multiple application scenarios in multivariable flexible and wearable sensor systems.

Dr. Libo Gao
Prof. Dr. Zhuoqing Yang
Dr. Gaofeng Zheng
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • flexible sensors;
  • electronic skin;
  • flexible electronics;
  • wearable electronics;
  • MEMS wearable applications

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 2031 KiB  
Article
A Dual-Mode Pressure and Temperature Sensor
by Jin Chai, Xin Wang, Xuan Li, Guirong Wu, Yunlong Zhao, Xueli Nan, Chenyang Xue, Libo Gao and Gaofeng Zheng
Micromachines 2024, 15(2), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15020179 - 25 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 889
Abstract
The emerging field of flexible tactile sensing systems, equipped with multi-physical tactile sensing capabilities, holds vast potential across diverse domains such as medical monitoring, robotics, and human–computer interaction. In response to the prevailing challenges associated with the limited integration and sensitivity of flexible [...] Read more.
The emerging field of flexible tactile sensing systems, equipped with multi-physical tactile sensing capabilities, holds vast potential across diverse domains such as medical monitoring, robotics, and human–computer interaction. In response to the prevailing challenges associated with the limited integration and sensitivity of flexible tactile sensors, this paper introduces a versatile tactile sensing system capable of concurrently monitoring temperature and pressure. The temperature sensor employs carbon nanotube/graphene conductive paste as its sensitive material, while the pressure sensor integrates an ionic gel containing boron nitride as its sensitive layer. Through the application of cost-effective screen printing technology, we have successfully manufactured a flexible dual-mode sensor with exceptional performance, featuring high sensitivity (804.27 kPa1), a broad response range (50 kPa), rapid response time (17 ms), and relaxation time (34 ms), alongside exceptional durability over 5000 cycles. Furthermore, the resistance temperature coefficient of the sensor within the temperature range of 12.5 °C to 93.7 °C is −0.17% °C−1. The designed flexible dual-mode tactile sensing system enables the real-time detection of pressure and temperature information, presenting an innovative approach to electronic skin with multi-physical tactile sensing capabilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible and Wearable Sensors, 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 3336 KiB  
Article
Optimized Design of an Ultrasonic-Based High-Efficiency Wireless Passive Monitoring System for Sealed Metal Compartments
by Bowen Qi, Juan Cui, Yongqiu Zheng, Bingrui Zhang, Chengqun Chu, Xiaolong Yan, Xiang Gao and Chenyang Xue
Micromachines 2024, 15(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15010048 - 26 Dec 2023
Viewed by 795
Abstract
The condition monitoring (CM) of sealed metal compartments (SMCs) is an urgently required restructure. Ultrasound penetrates SMCs to power and communicate with built-in sensors, enabling the CM of SMCs. However, current ultrasonic wireless power transfer and data communication (UWPTADC) systems are large and [...] Read more.
The condition monitoring (CM) of sealed metal compartments (SMCs) is an urgently required restructure. Ultrasound penetrates SMCs to power and communicate with built-in sensors, enabling the CM of SMCs. However, current ultrasonic wireless power transfer and data communication (UWPTADC) systems are large and complex, and limited by the efficiency of energy transfer and data reliability. In this paper, an optimized design of a high-efficiency wireless passive monitoring system using UWPTADC techniques is proposed for SMC. The circuit model of the system is developed and analyzed to achieve an optimal design for efficient wireless power transfer and effective data communication coupling. A test system was constructed using a steel wall of 11 mm thickness as a validation object. At the ultrasonic carrier frequency of 1.045 MHz, the system has an energy transfer efficiency of 60%, and a communication rate of 50 kbps. In addition, the system realizes temperature and humidity monitoring inside a 13 mm thick cylindrical SMC, simulating the process of ultrasonic CM of an actual engine compartment. The system provides a wiring-free and battery-free solution for CM in SMCs, advancing CM in aerospace, marine and other fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible and Wearable Sensors, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 5260 KiB  
Article
Thread-Embedded-in-PDMS Wearable Strain Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring of Human Joint Motion
by Mingpeng Yang, Yongquan Liu, Wenjing Yang and Jia Liu
Micromachines 2023, 14(12), 2250; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14122250 - 17 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 759
Abstract
Real-time monitoring of human joint motion holds paramount importance in assessing joint health status, preventing and treating joint diseases, and evaluating physical flexibility and coordination. However, traditional strain sensors face limitations in meeting the substantial strain requirements associated with human joint motion. Recently, [...] Read more.
Real-time monitoring of human joint motion holds paramount importance in assessing joint health status, preventing and treating joint diseases, and evaluating physical flexibility and coordination. However, traditional strain sensors face limitations in meeting the substantial strain requirements associated with human joint motion. Recently, there has been considerable attention directed towards flexible strain sensors prepared using pliable substrates combined with silk and cotton fabrics. Nonetheless, these sensors exhibit insufficient linearity across the entire measurement range, thereby compromising the predictability of real joint motion based on the output signal. This paper introduced a flexible strain sensor designed to address this issue by offering an enhanced range and high linearity. Specifically, the core wire of the strain sensor was produced by coating a polybutylene terephthalate thread with conductive carbon ink integrated with carbon nanotubes, encapsulated in a thin layer of polydimethylsiloxane in an “S” configuration. The proposed strain sensor maintained excellent linearity within its strain range of 60%, along with advantages such as rapid response speed and robust durability. On-trial tests further affirmed the sensor’s capability to effectively monitor the motion of human joints. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible and Wearable Sensors, 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 4740 KiB  
Article
High Performance Rotating Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Coaxial Rolling Charge Pump Strategy
by Congcong Hao, Bowen Qi, Zekun Wang, Mingzhe Cai, Juan Cui and Yongqiu Zheng
Micromachines 2023, 14(12), 2160; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14122160 - 26 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 988
Abstract
With the development of society and the advancement of technology, the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) has changed people’s lifestyles and raised the demand for energy to a new level. However, there are some drawbacks in terms of energy supply for [...] Read more.
With the development of society and the advancement of technology, the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) has changed people’s lifestyles and raised the demand for energy to a new level. However, there are some drawbacks in terms of energy supply for IoT sensors, such as limited battery capacity and limitations in replacement and maintenance. Therefore, it has become urgent to develop a sustainable green energy source (wind energy) using the surrounding environment. Meanwhile, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with advantages such as flexible structure, low manufacturing cost, and environmental friendliness provide enormous potential for constructing self-powered sensing systems. In this work, we present a novel coaxial rolling charge pump TENG (CR-TENG) based on wind energy to enhance the output performance and durability. The rolling friction charge pump TENG directly injects positive and negative charges into the main TENG, which is more wear-resistant compared to sliding friction, and greatly increases the charge density and output power. In addition, the charge pumping part and the main TENG adopt the coaxial design, reducing the complexity of the structural design. On comparing the output performance of the CR-TENG under the initial state, rectifier bridge supplemental charge strategy, and charge pump supplemental charge strategy, results shown that the output voltage performance of the CR-TENG can be improved by 5800% under the charge pump supplemental charge strategy. Moreover, the output performance of the CR-TENG remains stable after 72,000 cycles. The output power of the CR-TENG can reach 1.21 mW with a load resistance of 3 × 107 Ω. And the CR-TENG can charge a 0.1 μF capacitor to 5 V in just 1.6 s. This work provides new insights for the rotary durable high output charge pump compensating a triboelectric nanogenerator and demonstrates the important potential of harvesting environmental energy to supply intelligent IoT nodes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible and Wearable Sensors, 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 19497 KiB  
Article
Charge Characteristics of Dielectric Particle Swarm Involving Comprehensive Electrostatic Information
by Yue Feng, Xingfeng Shen, Ruiguo Wang, Zilong Zhou, Zhaoxu Yang, Yanhui Han and Ying Xiong
Micromachines 2023, 14(12), 2151; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14122151 - 24 Nov 2023
Viewed by 799
Abstract
The triboelectrification effect caused by dynamic contact between particles is an issue for explosions caused by electrostatic discharging (ESD) in the triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for powering the flexible and wearable sensors. The electrostatic strength of dielectric particles (surface charge density, surface potential, electric [...] Read more.
The triboelectrification effect caused by dynamic contact between particles is an issue for explosions caused by electrostatic discharging (ESD) in the triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for powering the flexible and wearable sensors. The electrostatic strength of dielectric particles (surface charge density, surface potential, electric field, etc.) is essential to evaluate the level of ESD risk. Those differential electrostatic characteristics concerned with unhomogenized swarmed particles cannot be offered via in-current employed-joint COMSOL 6.1 simulation, in which the discrete charged dielectric particles are mistakenly regarded as continuous ones. In this paper, the hybrid discrete element method (EDEM tool) associated with programming in COMSOL Multiphysics 6.1 with MATLAB R2023a was employed to obtain the electrostatic information of the triboelectric dielectric particle swarm. We revealed that the high-accuracy strengths of electric potential and electric field inside particle warm are crucial to evaluating ESD risk. The calculated electrostatic characteristics differ from the grid method and continuous method in the surface potential and electric field. This EDEM-based simulation method is significant for microcosmic understanding and the assessment of the ESD risk in TENGs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible and Wearable Sensors, 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 3075 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant Dimethyl Fumarate Temporarily but Not Chronically Improves Intracortical Microelectrode Performance
by George F. Hoeferlin, Tejas Bajwa, Hannah Olivares, Jichu Zhang, Lindsey N. Druschel, Brandon S. Sturgill, Michael Sobota, Pierce Boucher, Jonathan Duncan, Ana G. Hernandez-Reynoso, Stuart F. Cogan, Joseph J. Pancrazio and Jeffrey R. Capadona
Micromachines 2023, 14(10), 1902; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14101902 - 04 Oct 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1181
Abstract
Intracortical microelectrode arrays (MEAs) can be used in a range of applications, from basic neuroscience research to providing an intimate interface with the brain as part of a brain-computer interface (BCI) system aimed at restoring function for people living with neurological disorders or [...] Read more.
Intracortical microelectrode arrays (MEAs) can be used in a range of applications, from basic neuroscience research to providing an intimate interface with the brain as part of a brain-computer interface (BCI) system aimed at restoring function for people living with neurological disorders or injuries. Unfortunately, MEAs tend to fail prematurely, leading to a loss in functionality for many applications. An important contributing factor in MEA failure is oxidative stress resulting from chronically inflammatory-activated microglia and macrophages releasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) around the implant site. Antioxidants offer a means for mitigating oxidative stress and improving tissue health and MEA performance. Here, we investigate using the clinically available antioxidant dimethyl fumarate (DMF) to reduce the neuroinflammatory response and improve MEA performance in a rat MEA model. Daily treatment of DMF for 16 weeks resulted in a significant improvement in the recording capabilities of MEA devices during the sub-chronic (Weeks 5–11) phase (42% active electrode yield vs. 35% for control). However, these sub-chronic improvements were lost in the chronic implantation phase, as a more exacerbated neuroinflammatory response occurs in DMF-treated animals by 16 weeks post-implantation. Yet, neuroinflammation was indiscriminate between treatment and control groups during the sub-chronic phase. Although worse for chronic use, a temporary improvement (<12 weeks) in MEA performance is meaningful. Providing short-term improvement to MEA devices using DMF can allow for improved use for limited-duration studies. Further efforts should be taken to explore the mechanism behind a worsened neuroinflammatory response at the 16-week time point for DMF-treated animals and assess its usefulness for specific applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible and Wearable Sensors, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 3890 KiB  
Article
A Novel Mechanomyography (MMG) Sensor Based on Piezo-Resistance Principle and with a Pyramidic Microarray
by Qize Fang, Shuchen Cao, Haotian Qin, Ruixue Yin, Wenjun Zhang and Hongbo Zhang
Micromachines 2023, 14(10), 1859; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14101859 - 28 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1097
Abstract
Flexible piezoresistive sensors built by printing nanoparticles onto soft substrates are crucial for continuous health monitoring and wearable devices. In this study, a mechanomyography (MMG) sensor was developed using a flexible piezoresistive MMG signal sensor based on a pyramidal polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microarray sprayed [...] Read more.
Flexible piezoresistive sensors built by printing nanoparticles onto soft substrates are crucial for continuous health monitoring and wearable devices. In this study, a mechanomyography (MMG) sensor was developed using a flexible piezoresistive MMG signal sensor based on a pyramidal polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microarray sprayed with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The experiment was conducted, and the results show that the sensitivity of the sensor can reach 0.4 kPa−1 in the measurement range of 0~1.5 kPa, and the correlation reached 96%. This has further implications for the possibility that muscle activation can be converted into mechanical movement. The integrity of the sensor in terms of its MMG signal acquisition was tested based on five subjects who were performing arm bending and arm extending movements. The results of this test were promising. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible and Wearable Sensors, 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 2798 KiB  
Article
A BTO/PVDF/PDMS Piezoelectric Tangential and Normal Force Sensor Inspired by a Wind Chime
by Chunyan Zhang, Xiaotian Zhang, Qiang Zhang, Shengbo Sang, Jianlong Ji, Runfang Hao and Yan Liu
Micromachines 2023, 14(10), 1848; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14101848 - 27 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1007
Abstract
There is a growing demand for flexible pressure sensors in environmental monitoring and human–robot interaction robotics. A flexible and susceptible sensor can discriminate multidirectional pressure, thus effectively detecting signals of small environmental changes and providing solutions for personalized medicine. This paper proposes a [...] Read more.
There is a growing demand for flexible pressure sensors in environmental monitoring and human–robot interaction robotics. A flexible and susceptible sensor can discriminate multidirectional pressure, thus effectively detecting signals of small environmental changes and providing solutions for personalized medicine. This paper proposes a multidimensional force detection sensor inspired by a wind chime structure with a three-dimensional force structure to detect and analyze normal and shear forces in real time. The force-sensing structure of the sensor consists of an upper and lower membrane on a polydimethylsiloxane substrate and four surrounding cylinders. A piezoelectric hemisphere is made of BTO/PVDF/PDMS composite material. The sensor columns in the wind chime structure surround the piezoelectric layer in the middle. When pressure is applied externally, the sensor columns are connected to the piezoelectric layer with a light touch. The piezoelectric hemisphere generates a voltage signal. Due to the particular structure of the sensor, it can accurately capture multidimensional forces and identify the direction of the external force by analyzing the position of the sensor and the output voltage amplitude. The development of such sensors shows excellent potential for self-powered wearable sensors, human–computer interaction, electronic skin, and soft robotics applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible and Wearable Sensors, 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 6125 KiB  
Article
La(Ca)CrO3-Filled SiCN Precursor Thin Film Temperature Sensor Capable to Measure up to 1100 °C High Temperature
by Gonghan He, Yingping He, Lida Xu, Lanlan Li, Lingyun Wang, Zhenyin Hai and Daoheng Sun
Micromachines 2023, 14(9), 1719; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14091719 - 31 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1082
Abstract
Thin-film sensors are regarded as advanced technologies for in situ condition monitoring of components operating in harsh environments, such as aerospace engines. Nevertheless, these sensors encounter challenges due to the high-temperature oxidation of materials and intricate manufacturing processes. This paper presents a simple [...] Read more.
Thin-film sensors are regarded as advanced technologies for in situ condition monitoring of components operating in harsh environments, such as aerospace engines. Nevertheless, these sensors encounter challenges due to the high-temperature oxidation of materials and intricate manufacturing processes. This paper presents a simple method to fabricate high temperature-resistant oxidized SiCN precursor and La(Ca)CrO3 composite thin film temperature sensors by screen printing and air annealing. The developed sensor demonstrates a broad temperature response ranging from 200 °C to 1100 °C with negative temperature coefficients (NTC). It exhibits exceptional resistance to high-temperature oxidation and maintains performance stability. Notably, the sensor’s resistance changes by 3% after exposure to an 1100 °C air environment for 1 h. This oxidation resistance improvement surpasses the currently reported SiCN precursor thin-film sensors. Additionally, the sensor’s temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) can reach up to −7900 ppm/°C at 200 °C. This strategy is expected to be used for other high-temperature thin-film sensors such as strain gauges, heat flux sensors, and thermocouples. There is great potential for applications in high-temperature field monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible and Wearable Sensors, 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 4756 KiB  
Article
Electrohydrodynamic Printed Ultra-Micro AgNPs Thin Film Temperature Sensors Array for High-Resolution Sensing
by Yingping He, Lanlan Li, Zhixuan Su, Lida Xu, Maocheng Guo, Bowen Duan, Wenxuan Wang, Bo Cheng, Daoheng Sun and Zhenyin Hai
Micromachines 2023, 14(8), 1621; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14081621 - 17 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1121
Abstract
Current methods for thin film sensors preparation include screen printing, inkjet printing, and MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) techniques. However, their limitations in achieving sub-10 μm line widths hinder high-density sensors array fabrication. Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing is a promising alternative due to its ability to [...] Read more.
Current methods for thin film sensors preparation include screen printing, inkjet printing, and MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) techniques. However, their limitations in achieving sub-10 μm line widths hinder high-density sensors array fabrication. Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing is a promising alternative due to its ability to print multiple materials and multilayer structures with patterned films less than 10 μm width. In this paper, we innovatively proposed a method using only EHD printing to prepare ultra-micro thin film temperature sensors array. The sensitive layer of the four sensors was compactly integrated within an area measuring 450 μm × 450 μm, featuring a line width of less than 10 μm, and a film thickness ranging from 150 nm to 230 nm. The conductive network of silver nanoparticles exhibited a porosity of 0.86%. After a 17 h temperature-resistance test, significant differences in the performance of the four sensors were observed. Sensor 3 showcased relatively superior performance, boasting a fitted linearity of 0.99994 and a TCR of 937.8 ppm/°C within the temperature range of 20 °C to 120 °C. Moreover, after the 17 h test, a resistance change rate of 0.17% was recorded at 20 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible and Wearable Sensors, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 5906 KiB  
Article
Design of a Low-Frequency Dielectrophoresis-Based Arc Microfluidic Chip for Multigroup Cell Sorting
by Xueli Nan, Jiale Zhang, Xin Wang, Tongtong Kang, Xinxin Cao, Jinjin Hao, Qikun Jia, Bolin Qin, Shixuan Mei and Zhikuan Xu
Micromachines 2023, 14(8), 1561; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14081561 - 05 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1206
Abstract
Dielectrophoresis technology is applied to microfluidic chips to achieve microscopic control of cells. Currently, microfluidic chips based on dielectrophoresis have certain limitations in terms of cell sorting species, in order to explore a microfluidic chip with excellent performance and high versatility. In this [...] Read more.
Dielectrophoresis technology is applied to microfluidic chips to achieve microscopic control of cells. Currently, microfluidic chips based on dielectrophoresis have certain limitations in terms of cell sorting species, in order to explore a microfluidic chip with excellent performance and high versatility. In this paper, we designed a microfluidic chip that can be used for continuous cell sorting, with the structural design of a curved channel and curved double side electrodes. CM factors were calculated for eight human healthy blood cells and cancerous cells using the software MyDEP, the simulation of various blood cells sorting and the simulation of the joule heat effect of the microfluidic chip were completed using the software COMSOL Multiphysics. The effect of voltage and inlet flow velocity on the simulation results was discussed using the control variables method. We found feasible parameters from simulation results under different voltages and inlet flow velocities, and the feasibility of the design was verified from multiple perspectives by measuring cell movement trajectories, cell recovery rate and separation purity. This paper provides a universal method for cell, particle and even protein sorting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible and Wearable Sensors, 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 6647 KiB  
Article
Screen-Printed Wearable Sweat Sensor for Cost-Effective Assessment of Human Hydration Status through Potassium and Sodium Ion Detection
by Mingpeng Yang, Nan Sun, Xiaochen Lai, Yanjie Li, Xingqiang Zhao, Jiamin Wu and Wangping Zhou
Micromachines 2023, 14(8), 1497; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14081497 - 26 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1697
Abstract
Human sweat is intricately linked to human health, and unraveling its secrets necessitates a substantial volume of experimental data. However, conventional sensors fabricated via complex processes such as photolithography offer high detection precision at the expense of prohibitive costs. In this study, we [...] Read more.
Human sweat is intricately linked to human health, and unraveling its secrets necessitates a substantial volume of experimental data. However, conventional sensors fabricated via complex processes such as photolithography offer high detection precision at the expense of prohibitive costs. In this study, we presented a cost-effective and high-performance wearable flexible sweat sensor for real-time monitoring of K+ and Na+ concentrations in human sweat, fabricated using screen printing technology. Initially, we evaluated the electrical and electrochemical stability of the screen-printed substrate electrodes, which demonstrated good consistency with a variation within 10% of the relative standard deviation (RSD), meeting the requirements for reliable detection of K+ and Na+ in human sweat. Subsequently, we employed an “ion-electron” transduction layer and an ion-selective membrane to construct the sensors for detecting K+ and Na+. Comprehensive tests were conducted to assess the sensors’ sensitivity, linearity, repeatability, resistance to interference, and mechanical deformation capabilities. Furthermore, we evaluated their long-term stability during continuous monitoring and storage. The test results confirmed that the sensor’s performance indicators, as mentioned above, met the requirements for analyzing human sweat. In a 10-day continuous and regular monitoring experiment involving volunteers wearing the sensors, a wealth of data revealed a close relationship between K+ and Na+ concentrations in human sweat and hydration status. Notably, we observed that consistent and regular physical exercise effectively enhanced the body’s resistance to dehydration. These findings provided a solid foundation for conducting extensive experiments and further exploring the intricate relationship between human sweat and overall health. Our research paved a practical and feasible path for future studies in this domain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible and Wearable Sensors, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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21 pages, 7454 KiB  
Review
Advancements in SiC-Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites for High-Performance Electronic Packaging: A Review of Thermo-Mechanical Properties and Future Trends
by Liyan Lai, Bing Niu, Yuxiao Bi, Yigui Li and Zhuoqing Yang
Micromachines 2023, 14(8), 1491; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14081491 - 25 Jul 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1657
Abstract
With the advancement of semiconductor technology, chip cooling has become a major obstacle to enhancing the capabilities of power electronic systems. Traditional electronic packaging materials are no longer able to meet the heat dissipation requirements of high-performance chips. High thermal conductivity (TC), low [...] Read more.
With the advancement of semiconductor technology, chip cooling has become a major obstacle to enhancing the capabilities of power electronic systems. Traditional electronic packaging materials are no longer able to meet the heat dissipation requirements of high-performance chips. High thermal conductivity (TC), low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), good mechanical properties, and a rich foundation in microfabrication techniques are the fundamental requirements for the next generation of electronic packaging materials. Currently, metal matrix composites (MMCs) composed of high TC matrix metals and reinforcing phase materials have become the mainstream direction for the development and application of high-performance packaging materials. Silicon carbide (SiC) is the optimal choice for the reinforcing phase due to its high TC, low CTE, and high hardness. This paper reviews the research status of SiC-reinforced aluminum (Al) and copper (Cu) electronic packaging materials, along with the factors influencing their thermo-mechanical properties and improvement measures. Finally, the current research status and limitations of conventional manufacturing methods for SiC-reinforced MMCs are summarized, and an outlook on the future development trends of electronic packaging materials is provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible and Wearable Sensors, 2nd Edition)
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