Enhanced electrical conductivity in laser-induced graphene-silicon carbide laminated nanosheets for flexible strain sensors and pulse wave velocity assessment

The synthesis and integration methods of electrical materials are vital in Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based electronics and sensors. Here, we present a compact approach for the in-situ synthesis of laser-induced graphene-silicon carbide laminated nanosheets (LIG-SiC LNS) with enhanced electrical conductivity on a MoS2-PDMS hybrid precursor by laser direct scribing. We developed a flexible resistive strain sensor utilizing the simplified fabrication process of LIG-SiC LNS. The distinctive structure of the material enhances both the gauge factor (GF) and the intrinsic self-temperature compensation capability of the strain sensor. The sensor exhibits a maximum GF deviation of 1.88% within 20-35 degrees C without algorithmic compensation. In an application example, the sensor was utilized for assessing human pulse wave velocity (PWV), revealing a minimal deviation of 0.6% compared to a commercial instrument.