Integrated flexible composite for robotic skin applications with sensing, EMI shielding, and flame/explosion resistance

In this study, a multifunctional composite membrane is developed for advanced robotic skin applications, combining strain sensing, EMI shielding, and flame/explosion resistance. The membrane is fabricated by coating copper onto woven polyester fabric, followed by a layer of cobalt oxide-doped polyurea. This structure achieves high tensile strength (∼40 MPa), a Young's modulus of ∼328 MPa, and excellent flexibility. The composite membrane exhibits stable strain response, EMI shielding effectiveness up to 34 dB (X-band), and dominant absorption characteristics. Enhanced flame retardancy and explosion resistance result from the synergistic effects of the copper network and PU coating, which enable thermal insulation and protective char formation. These integrated properties make the copper-deposited fabric reinforced with CoO-doped polyurea a promising candidate for robust, lightweight robotic skins operating in harsh environments.