Publication

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.