Silly Putty Strain Sensor

Dec-11-16 By mixing Silly Putty with graphene, researchers have created a strain sensor so sensitive, it can detect a spider’s steps.

Developed by a team from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland and the University of Sao Paolo, Brazil, the sensor was the inspiration of a student, who decided to mix graphene with the silicon polymer. When the resulting mix—called g-putty—was subjected to an electrical current, it showed an impressive sensitivity to pressure—up to 500 times that of other pressure-detecting materials.

Because of its extreme elasticity and squishy nature, the super sensitive sensor could be used to monitor body motion, such as an infant’s breathing, without causing discomfort.

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