Preparation of polyurethane sulfonate films as a motion sensing substrate with the compliant coating of PEDOT:PSS

• Published in: Macromolecular research Vol. 33; no. 8; pp. 1029 - 1034
• Main Authors: Park, Sung Moon, Lee, Seung Min, Kwon, Young Je, Cho, Kie Yong, Kim, Soaram, Lee, Eun Kwang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Seoul The Polymer Society of Korea 01.08.2025; Springer Nature B.V; 한국고분자학회
• Subjects: Augmented reality; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Complex Fluids and Microfluidics; Human motion; Nanochemistry; Nanotechnology; Physical Chemistry; Polymer Sciences; Polyurethane resins; Sensors; Soft and Granular Matter; Strain; Tensile strength; Virtual reality; 고분자공학; Elastic strain sensor; Hydrophilic polymer; Human–machine interaction; Polyurethane sulfonate (PUS); PEDOT:PSS
• ISSN: 1598-5032; 2092-7673
• DOI: 10.1007/s13233-025-00401-x

With the expansion of the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) market, the close transmission of movement through human–machine interaction has become increasingly important. Polyurethane, a fiber used in various clothing and suits, possesses suitable elasticity and tensile strength. This makes it a material that can be closely attached to the skin without causing discomfort. However, since polyurethane is not a conductor, there is a disadvantage that it is impossible to detect electrical signals. Here, we synthesized polyurethane sulfonate (PUS) which is a hydrophilic modified polyurethane containing a high amount of sulfonate groups. This modified polyurethane shows the improved affinity with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) by intermolecular interaction of sulfonate group and PSS. Finally, an elastic strain sensor was fabricated with PEDOT:PSS coated on PUS over a large area of 100 cm 2 . This strain sensor induces resistance changes according to the elastic expansion of the PUS. The fabricated strain sensor was applied to finger joints and biceps, successfully detected movements corresponding to bending and expansion. Graphical abstract