Graphene nanoplatelets-based smart textile for kinesthetic monitoring

In this work we developed novel stretchable sensors constituted by a percolating network of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) which has been deposited via spray coating over a polyester fabric and integrated in a biocompatible elastomer. The electromechanical response of the sensors is firstly investigated through quasi-static tensile tests. The measured resistance variation under the applied stress confirms the piezoresistive behavior of the fabricated sensors, having a maximum gauge factor of 90 at strain of 25%. Moreover, the piezoresistive GNP-based coating is deposited over a polyester technical t-shirt and the ability of the smart textile to detect shoulder movements and breathe is demonstrated.