There is a significant increase in the use of wearable polymer-based sensors for healthcare, real-time data collection, and reducing human error. Their application lies in detecting and measuring stimuli like pressure, strain, and in monitoring human movement, prosthetics, soft robotics, and electronic skin, or for monitoring glucose levels, pH, or for earlier disease detection. Wearable sensors are used in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and fitness due to their durability, sensitivity, flexibility, and biocompatibility.
This research, a collaboration between ASCC Researchers Evan K. Wujcik, Colton Duprey and Theodore Warfle and UMaine researchers Arya Ajeev, Sara Maslaczynska-Salome and Saeideh Alipoori titled “From the synthesis of wearable polymer sensors to their potential for reuse and ultimate fate” overviews the reusability of polymer-based wearable sensors, the applications and degradation process of physical and chemical sensors. Unlike traditional sensors, wearable polymer-based sensors are in high demand because they offer flexibility, sensitivity, and the ability to adapt like skin, enabling the sensors to be effortlessly integrated with the human body to carry out efficient and accurate sensing. They are biodegradable which depends on their structure, size, morphology, and chemical modifications. The wearable polymer sensor is a novel research that not only benefits the research continued by ASCC and the University of Maine research communities but the textile industry at large.
ASCC’s Fiber and Specialty Textiles Research (FASTR) Lab is a world-class facility catering to emerging technology and breakthrough research in textile innovation by converting basic raw materials into composites. The lab is an innovator in generating new fiber and fabric advancements through extensive testing using the most advanced technology and equipment for polymer processing, extrusion, electrospinning, knitting, and weaving (which also includes 3D weaving and knitting), bringing about highly customized and functional textile variables for various industrial sectors. The lab fosters global collaboration and pilot production (which validates the efficiency and effectiveness of the product). It has the capability of recycling waste into novel textile materials and enhances research in multipurpose polymers and textiles.
Sensors are of physical (can discern and measure the physical stimuli like movement or pressure) and chemical (can transform the presence, concentration or amount of a chemical composition to amplify its optimum efficiency) types. Physical sensors are interaction-based sensors, while the chemical ones are reactivity-based. Physical sensors can quantify physical stimuli, such as pressure, strain, or motion, as well as changes in temperature and humidity levels. Chemical sensors, on the other hand, utilize their molecular structures to exhibit the qualities of flexibility, sensitivity, and skin-like properties, adapting to the human body to achieve efficient sensing. The fabrication of these sensors involves three distinct synthetic approaches: utilizing conductive polymers, creating composites, and employing elastomers and stretchable materials. Conductive polymers consist of a combination of electrical attributes of metals, a high level of sensitivity and flexibility and having the ability to be shaped and molded as needed as the traditional polymers. Composite materials are made of disparate materials to enhance the electrical and mechanical properties of the polymers and to bind the reinforcing agent in place. Elastomers are materials that are highly compatible with human skin. These qualities enable these polymers to be a viable choice for wearable technology.
These polymers can be recycled in either of two ways: chemical recycling, where the polymers are broken down into their chemical compounds, or physical recycling. Chemical recycling requires more energy than mechanical or physical recycling, it is a more effective way of disintegrating the polymer to its original basic chemical component (monomer) which allows the creation of a new material (e.g. wearable sensors) retaining the properties of its original. However, in the case of physical recycling, the polymers are broken down into their smaller parts and then reprocessed.
A collaborative effort among researchers from various disciplines, including textile science, environmental science, polymer science, and materials engineering, could enhance the sustainability of wearable sensors by introducing standardized testing and regulations.
Advanced Structures & Composites Center