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. 2023 Apr 4;23(7):3719.
doi: 10.3390/s23073719.

Dual-Sensing Piezoresponsive Foam for Dynamic and Static Loading

Ryan A Hanson  1 , Cory N Newton  1 , Aaron Jake Merrell  1 , Anton E Bowden  1 , Matthew K Seeley  2 , Ulrike H Mitchell  2 , Brian A Mazzeo  3 , David T Fullwood  1
Affiliations

Dual-Sensing Piezoresponsive Foam for Dynamic and Static Loading

Ryan A Hanson et al. Sensors (Basel). .

Abstract

Polymeric foams, embedded with nano-scale conductive particles, have previously been shown to display quasi-piezoelectric (QPE) properties; i.e., they produce a voltage in response to rapid deformation. This behavior has been utilized to sense impact and vibration in foam components, such as in sports padding and vibration-isolating pads. However, a detailed characterization of the sensing behavior has not been undertaken. Furthermore, the potential for sensing quasi-static deformation in the same material has not been explored. This paper provides new insights into these self-sensing foams by characterizing voltage response vs frequency of deformation. The correlation between temperature and voltage response is also quantified. Furthermore, a new sensing functionality is observed, in the form of a piezoresistive response to quasi-static deformation. The piezoresistive characteristics are quantified for both in-plane and through-thickness resistance configurations. The new functionality greatly enhances the potential applications for the foam, for example, as insoles that can characterize ground reaction force and pressure during dynamic and/or quasi-static circumstances, or as seat cushioning that can sense pressure and impact.

Keywords: multifunctional; nanocomposite; piezoelectric; piezoresistive.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors A. Jake Merrell, David T. Fullwood, and Anton E. Bowden are the inventors of the technology described in this work, which has been licensed to XO-NANO Smartfoam.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
SEM image of closed cell NCPF structure, containing conductive particle additives.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Schematic depicting experimental setup for cyclic testing NCPF samples utilizing probes to measure dynamic loading voltage response.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Bottom view (left) and top view (right) of sample for in-plane resistance measurement of dimension 25 mm × 40 mm.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Schematic depicting experimental setup for in-plane sensor configuration to measure piezoresistive response to static loading. Direction of compression to induce static strain shown.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Schematic of sensor connection to oscilloscope/function generator for resistance measurements.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Average peak voltage response versus cycling frequency, 1–45 Hz.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Voltage response versus time for 1 to 8 Hz cyclical testing in the Instron (top) and a zoomed-in version of the 4 Hz voltage response (bottom).
Figure 8
Figure 8
Average peak voltage versus temperature over 130 s for 45 Hz cyclical compression.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Distribution of resistance versus strain; resistance measured through the material thickness.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Distribution of material resistivity versus strain measurements; resistance measured through the material thickness.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Resistance versus strain; resistance was measured across a 1 mm in-plane gap between copper strips.
Figure 12
Figure 12
Resistivity versus strain; resistance was measured across a 1 mm in-plane gap between copper strips.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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