Scientists have created super-sensitive sensor from graphene

Irish researchers decided to mix graphene with "chewing gum for the hands". The new material was so sensitive that it records the steps of the little spider on its surface. Scientists believe that their discovery — the future of medical devices."Chewing gum for the hands" or Silly Putty — plastic children's toy based on silicone polymer. "Silly putty" was obtained as a by-product during experiments to find substitutes for rubber. Material moved into the category of toys and was forgotten by the scientific community, because they do not have any practical application.



A physicist from Trinity College Dublin Jonathan Coleman proves that the "silly putty" is not as simple as it seems. In his lab tried to mix it with graphene and observe what happens.





The mixture is all the same plastic, but it found electrical conductivity and a very strong sensitivity to pressure. The minimal impact on it causes a change in resistance — clay easily registers the steps the spider, held on its surface. Coleman believes that material, you can find a lot of applications.





He showed how putting a little piece of the carotid artery, you can not only measure pulse, but also blood pressure. Clay allows to measure parameters of respiration. When measurements are precisely that hundreds of times higher than modern sensors. And if you take into account the growing market of wearable gadgets, the material is bound to be popular. For example, there is still no cheap and convenient way to measure blood pressure for a long period. "Silly putty" with graphene, this method gives.

published

 

Source: hightech.fm/2016/12/12/silly_putty