Triboelectrification based active sensor for polymer distinguishing

We present a novel sensor for polymer distinguishing among a group of known polymers based on the effects of triboelectrification and electrostatic induction. Multiple polymer-electrode cells are integrated on a flexible substrate, each cell produces an independent signal. The manufacture procedure of flexible printed circuit is employed to implement a low-cost and efficient fabrication of the device. According to the triboelectric serials, for different polymer groups, the friction layers can be well-selected. As an example, the distinguishing of polydimethylsiloxane, polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate has been well demonstrated by employing polyimide and polystyrene as friction layers, showing potential applications in robotics and industrial fields.