14-Dec-2020 | Market Research Store
Researchers have recently developed electronic skin that can very well attach to the body and also monitor majority of the vital signs. The newly engineered electronic skin is breathable, comfortable as well as flexible from the daily use point of view. In case of electrodes for conducting electric signals for various applications, gold is the metal that is usually preferred but its cost, sterilization before use in humans, and complicated manufacturing process makes its use skeptical. However, the researchers have recently found the polymer PEDOT:PSS to be a savior as it is biologically compatible with human skin, cost-effective, and also easy to produce. Its electric conductivity is lower compared to gold. Thus, the researchers resorted to other methods but they were toxic, incompatible, and also left behind residues.
According to the team from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), they were successful in finding a non-toxic method that is likely to improve the performance. The hydrothermal treatment uses heat and humidity to advance the conductivity of PEDOT:PSS films up to a factor of 250. The researchers applied 60°C heat and 80% humidity to bring about structural changes in PEDOT:PSS thin film and these changes resulted in an increased conductivity in the material.
The polymer film is comprised of conductive,water insoluble PEDOT molecules coupled with water soluble, insulating PSS molecules. On the addition of humidity, the water screen formation helped separate the two kinds of molecules and the heat helped expand the PEDOT chains which in turn increased the crystallinity The heat and humidity helped bring about structural changes that resulted in enhancing the material’s conductivity. The use of PEDOT:PSS material for developing electrodes is expected to conduct electricity even in the presence of heat, air and even while bending or stretching. Similarly, the spraying of electrodes on the electronic skin devices was found to enhance joint movements, skin temperature, and electrical activity of the heart. On the contrary, the researchers have also found acid to help improve the electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS which is projected to help open new windows for biomedical applications.
Market Research Store has published a report on global electronic skin industry market. The report comprehensively covers the various segments of the market including types, applications, end-users, regions, and top players. Additionally, the market drivers, restraints, key business strategies, and financial growth of the electronic skin industry market are also comprehended in the report.