Engineering

Nanomechanics

Stretchable electronics

Materials science

Strain (injury)

Atomic force microscopy

Nanotechnology

Internal medicine

Electronics

Composite material

Medicine

Piezoresistive effect

Electrical engineering

Progress in Materials Science

Flexible and stretchable piezoresistive strain sensors which can translate mechanical stimuli (strain changes) into electrical signals (resistance changes) provide a simple and feasible detection tool in the field of health/damage monitoring, human motion detection, personal healthcare, human-machine interfaces, and electronic skin. Herein a detailed overview is presented on both strategies for sensing performance improvement and progress to medium or large-scale fabrication. A broad range of matrices/substrates and incorporated nanomaterials is covered and attention is paid to the current state-of-the-art of feasible but low-cost manufacturing methods. The sensor design parameters include sensitivity (gauge factor), stretchability, linearity, hysteresis, biocompatibility, and self-healing potential. Starting from fundamental sensing mechanisms, i.e. the tunneling effect, the disconnection mechanism, and the crack propagation mechanism, examples are provided from lab to application scale.

Recent progress on flexible and stretchable piezoresistive strain sensors: From design to application