Mulberry paper-based graphene strain sensor for wearable electronics with high mechanical strength

Paper-based electronics is an emerging technology that is attracting attention for its high flexibility, ease of recycling/disposal, low manufacturing cost, and scalability. In this work, graphene flakes dispersion was coated on the mulberry papers through a simple Meyer-rod coating process. The characteristics of the mulberry paper-based graphene strain sensor (MPGSS) were systematically researched by investigating the electrical performance with strain, mechanical strength, flexibility, environmental stability, and degradability of the as-fabricated strain sensor. As a result, MPGSS exhibited suitable coating processability, a mechanical resistance of 1.13 MPa, a gauge factor of 3.82, durability over 1000 cycles of bending testing, and high scalability. In addition, its higher tear strength and degradability in nature was investigated in comparison with that of copy paper. Overall, the coated graphene sensor reinforced with mulberry paper holds great potential for next-generation wearable applications.