Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • The PHE-JE sensor achieves high sensitivity and fast response across a wide range of human motions, including subtle physiological signals such as pulse, joint movement, and vocalization, owing to the deformation, breakage, and fracture of the PANI coating and JE microfibers. • • The sensor demonstrates remarkable mechanical robustness, electrical stability, and long-term durability under repeated stretching and releasing cycles, indicating its suitability for continuous wearable monitoring. • • The use of Juncus effusus fibers with a 3D triangular network provides a sustainable substrate, and the synergistic design with polyaniline and Ecoflex encapsulation enables rapid and low-cost fabrication of strain sensors. • • The sensor exhibits high stability under various strain conditions, along with excellent flexibility and durability, making it a promising candidate for future wearable sensing applications.
Abstract
Wearable sensors have attracted significant attention due to their superior sensitivity, safety, and adaptability compared with conventional detection technologies. However, developing sustainable sensing materials that combine excellent performance with environmental friendliness remains a significant challenge. In this study, Juncus effusus (JE), a natural fiber featuring a unique internal three-dimensional (3D) network structure, was employed as the substrate. Conductive polyaniline was loaded onto the JE structure to impart electrical conductivity, and Ecoflex encapsulation provided high elasticity. Based on this approach, a JE-based resistive flexible sensor (PHE-JE) was successfully fabricated. The PHE-JE sensor exhibits high stability under various strain conditions, along with excellent flexibility and durability. Moreover, benefiting from its complex 3D structure and synergistic material interactions, the PHE-JE sensor enables accurate detection of diverse motion types, showing promising potential for future wearable sensing applications.
1. Introduction
Wearable electronic devices have evolved toward self-powered, convenient, and multifunctional forms, with flexible and stretchable systems gaining traction in human-computer interaction, health detection, augmented reality, and electronic skin. Traditional detection methods, such as body photos and movement status, lack real-time feedback, whereas wearable flexible sensors can continuously monitor physiological signals like temperature, pulse, humidity, and movement. Among various sensor types, resistive-based flexible strain sensors demonstrate advanced performance in stretchability and compliance, yet developing sustainable sensing materials that combine excellent performance with environmental friendliness remains a significant challenge.
This study addresses this bottleneck by employing Juncus effusus (JE), a natural fiber with a unique internal three-dimensional (3D) network structure, as a substrate. Conductive polyaniline (PANI) is loaded onto the JE structure to impart electrical conductivity, and Ecoflex encapsulation provides high elasticity. The resulting PHE-JE sensor leverages the complex 3D structure and synergistic material interactions to achieve high sensitivity, fast response, and durability, enabling accurate detection of diverse motion types. This structural design strategy offers a rapid and low-cost pathway for fabricating high-performance strain sensors from renewable biomass fibers.
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ZHANG Leyan, ZHOU Zhaozixuan, ZHONG Dandan, ZENG Qiang, SHENG Dan, FU Zhuan, JI Hua, XIA Liangjun (2026). Ultrastretchable and highly sensitive strain sensors based on biomass Juncus effusus fibers with 3D triangular networks. SCIENCE CHINA Materials. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40843-025-3789-x
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sensing mechanism of the PHE-JE sensor, and how does the 3D network structure contribute to its high sensitivity?
The sensing mechanism relies on deformation, breakage, and fracture of the PANI coating and JE microfibers under strain, which induce rapid and significant resistance changes. The 3D triangular network of JE provides a large surface area for PANI loading and creates multiple conductive pathways that are disrupted upon stretching, leading to high sensitivity and fast response.
How does the PHE-JE sensor achieve high stability and durability under repeated stretching and releasing cycles?
The sensor exhibits remarkable mechanical robustness and electrical stability due to the synergistic design of the JE substrate, PANI conductive layer, and Ecoflex encapsulation. The Ecoflex provides high elasticity, allowing the sensor to recover its original shape, while the strong adhesion of PANI to the JE fibers prevents delamination, ensuring long-term durability.
What are the key performance metrics of the PHE-JE sensor in terms of sensitivity and strain range?
The paper reports that the sensor achieves high sensitivity and fast response across a wide range of human motions, including subtle physiological signals such as pulse, joint movement, and vocalization. However, specific numerical values for gauge factor and maximum strain are not provided in the abstract; detailed metrics are likely presented in the full text.
How does the use of Juncus effusus fibers compare to synthetic polymer substrates in terms of cost and environmental impact?
Juncus effusus is a natural, renewable biomass fiber, making it more sustainable and potentially lower-cost compared to synthetic polymers. The fabrication process is described as rapid and low-cost, leveraging the intrinsic natural architecture of the fibers, which reduces the need for complex manufacturing steps.
What are the potential applications of the PHE-JE sensor in healthcare and human-machine interaction?
The sensor can accurately detect diverse motion types, including subtle physiological signals like pulse and joint movement, making it suitable for health monitoring, rehabilitation, and human-machine interaction. Its flexibility and durability allow it to be attached to the body for real-time feedback without causing complications.
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