Conductive Nanocellullose-Polivynil Alcohol-Graphite Composite for Human Muscular Activity Monitoring

Abstract

In this work, a conductive composite based on nanocellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and graphite (NC-PVA-C) was fabricated. Investigation of the surface morphology, chemical composition, mechanical properties, electrical, and piezoresistive characteristics depending on the content of graphite in the composite was conducted. In terms of mechanical strength and electrical resistivity, the optimal graphite content in the composite ranges from 50% m/m to 85% m/m. However, in terms of piezoresistivity and biodegradability, a graphite content of 85% m/m in the composite is the most preferable. Such composite is characterized by the following parameters: resistivity - 200 Ohm*m, full degradation time in the soil - 1 month. The obtained sensors were successfully applied to investigation of human muscle activity (movements of upper and lower limbs, recognition of pronunciation of sounds and symbols in writing).

Keywords

• bend sensors
• piezoresistive effect
• biodegradability
• nanocellulose composite
• polyvinyl alcohol (pva)
• graphite