Warp-knitted strain sensors: impact of loop parameters on sensing performance under biaxial stretching

Abstract

This paper explores the sensing performance displayed by warp-knitted strain sensors under biaxial stretching. These sensors were knitted using silver-plated nylon to be interlooped on a tricot warp-knitting machine. Eight types of warp-knitted sensing fabrics with different loop parameters were prepared and, afterward, electro-mechanical tests were conducted on a biaxial tensile testing machine. These specimens offered similar ground structures but differed in conductive yarn configuration in terms of linear density, number of underlapping wales, open/closed loop type, and guide-bar lapping sequence. Experimental results showed that the loop parameters significantly played a fundamental role in determining sensing performance. It is therefore possible to improve the sensing performance of warp-knitted sensors and engineer them by differing the loop parameters based on certain applications.