A mussel-inspired AgNWs/PDA-fabric multifunctional wearable flexible strain/pressure sensor for human motion detection

Abstract

Fabric-based wearable flexible sensors have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their superior flexibility, stretchability, and comfort. However, the integration of the fabric with conductive components remains a critical challenge that requires urgent resolution. Inspired by mussels, polydopamine with excellent adhesion and binding affinity to solid materials was employed to facilitate the effective combination of fabric and conductive materials, and an AgNWs/PDA-fabric multifunctional wearable flexible strain/pressure sensor was developed in this study. The influence of dopamine concentration on the conductivity of the AgNWs/PDA-fabric was systematically investigated, and the performance of the resulting AgNWs/PDA-fabric multifunctional wearable flexible sensor was thoroughly evaluated. The results indicated that when the dopamine concentration reached 2.0 mg mL⁻¹, the resistivity of the AgNWs/PDA-fabric decreased to 5.44 Ω cm, demonstrating excellent electrical conductivity. The fabricated AgNWs/PDA-fabric multifunctional wearable flexible sensor exhibited high sensitivity (GF = 48.65 and S = 0.0102 kPa⁻¹), outstanding flexibility, stability (1000 cycles), rapid response/recovery time (the response/recovery time was about 200 ms/200 ms) and reliable strain/pressure sensing capabilities. The AgNWs/PDA-fabric multifunctional wearable flexible sensor demonstrated promising applicability in monitoring human physiological signals and physical activities, highlighting its potential for use in electronic skin, human–machine interfaces, disease prevention, and rehabilitation training.