Fully Printed Flexible Polystyrene/Graphite-Based Temperature Sensor with Excellent Properties for Potential Smart Applications

Abstract

This study presents an innovative temperature sensor based on a thermistor nanocomposite of graphite (Gt) and polystyrene (PS). The sensor exhibited notable thermal stability and film integrity, offering two distinct linear response regions within the tested temperature range of −10 to 60 °C. It demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.125% °C-1 between −10 and 10 °C, followed by another linear response with a sensitivity of 0.41% °C-1 from 20 to 60 °C. Furthermore, it exhibited a response/recovery time of 0.97/1.3 min at a heating/cooling rate of 60 °C min-1. The sensor maintained minimal baseline drift even when subjected to varying humidity levels. We assessed its mechanical flexibility and stability for hundreds of bending cycles at a bending angle of 30°, adapting to dynamic environmental conditions. The sensor’s thermomechanical test (response to mechanical stress under temperature fluctuations) underscored its adaptability over a temperature range of −10 to 60 °C. Notably, it displayed excellent chemical stability, maintaining consistent performance when subjected to harsh environmental conditions like exposure to corrosive gases and prolonged immersion in tap water. Real-world tests demonstrated its practical utility, including precise temperature measurements in solid objects and breath temperature monitoring. These findings suggest promising applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and various IoT applications.