Dispensing characteristics of conductive material for the flexible tactile sensor

Abstract

Researches on the flexible sensors have been actively conducted to mimic human tactile-sensation. However, many of these sensors were fabricated through a series of complex processes. Furthermore, economically available sensors are cost ineffective. Recently, simple tactile sensor was proposed using flexible material and conductive material. That is, the direct injection technique discharges conductive material on the flexible polymer substrate. And the conductive material is dispensed by a nozzle. When the external pressure is applied to the sensor, the electrical signal of the conductive lines is changed. Consequently, to implement this kind of sensor, it is essential to examine dispensing conditions on the line fabrication. In this regards, we examined the conductive line fabrication characteristics by nozzle dispensing conditions. And it was found that the conductive material lines width decreases as the flow rate decreases and the nozzle moving speed increases. Further researches are required to implement this kind of sensors.