Highly Sensitive Electrospun Sensory Membrane for Low-Speed Air Flow Detection

A porous electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) membrane was designed, fabricated, and functionalized to become a highly sensitive airflow sensor. It is composed of a permeable electrospun nanofibrous structure able to detect and measure low-speed airflow using piezoresistive phenomenon. Our sensory membrane’s scanning electron microscope (SEM) images confirmed uniform, homogenous, and beads-free morphology with high porosity. To make this sensor, carbon-based ink was printed on its surface using different patterns to adjust the sensitivity and measurement range. Tensile and cycling tests with electromechanical characterization were performed indicating adaptive mechanical properties, change of resistance under stretch, reproducibility, and repeatability of the sensory membranes. Finally, they can be used in various applications needing high sensitivity and air permeability such as low-speed airflow detection, small multidirectional strains, etc.