Sea urchin-like polystyrene/polyaniline composite microspheres-based flexible pressure sensor fabricated for static and dynamic information recognition

Pressure sensors are widely studied due to their ability to sense and measure force information. Polymer composites composed of polymer matrix and reinforcing materials are a key challenge to enhance sensing performance. However, in many experimental studies, cumbersome preparation and easy destruction of polystyrene (PS) and polyaniline (PANI) composites wrinkled microstructure during repeated compression/release process. Herein, we successfully prepared sea urchin-like PS/PANI composites by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization. Meanwhile, it is used as a pressure sensitive layer material to fabricate a novel type of pressure sensor. The ultra-wide detection range of 3 Pa–130 kPa and the high sensitivity of 7.773 kPa −1 were successfully achieved. The durability shows a long service lifetime of at least 6000 cycles. Finally, the excellent electrical stability and mechanical stability are successfully proved in the practical application of finger touch compression and micro-pressure water droplet test, which promotes the development of the next generation of high-performance flexible pressure sensors.