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Journal of Bionic Engineering ›› 2023, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (1): 47-56.doi: 10.1007/s42235-022-00243-8

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Fabrication of Biomimetic Transparent and Flexible Pectin/PEG Composite Film for Temperature Sensing Applications

M. E. Harikumar1; Sudip K. Batabyal2,3   

  1. 1 Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore 641112, India  2 Department of Science, Amrita School of Physical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore 641112, India  3 Amrita Center for Industrial Research & Innovation (ACIRI), Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore 641112, India
  • Online:2023-01-10 Published:2023-02-16
  • Contact: Sudip K. Batabyal E-mail:s_batabyal@cb.amrita.edu
  • About author:M. E. Harikumar1; Sudip K. Batabyal2,3

Abstract: In the field of robotics to enhance the interaction with humans in real-time and in the bioengineering field to develop prosthetic devices, the need for artificial skin is in high demand. In this work, the hydrogen-bonded complex network structure of the Pectin/PEG composite has been designed, resulting in the free-standing film functioning as a temperature-sensing device. With the gelation technique and the addition of PEG, the film’s flexibility and conductivity were enhanced. The fabricated device worked at a low voltage of 1 V supply with high throughput. With different dimensions, three devices were fabricated, and the maximum-induced ionic current was 34 μA?±?5%. The device has an average sensitivity of 1.3–2.7 μA/°C over the range of 30 °C to 42 °C. The device's fastest response time to sense the temperature change was 2 s?±?5%. The present device exhibits good stability for a long duration of time. These pectin/PEG films can be used as biomimetic skin to improve the efficiency in sensing the temperature.

Key words: Pectin film , · Temperature sensor , · Ionic current , · Thermo-reversible , · Thin-film , · NTC