Professor Chiyoung Park of DGIST, in collaboration with Professor U-hyeok Choi of Inha University, has developed a recyclable high-sensitivity sensor based on the dynamic polymer network. This material has the ability to maintain excellent sensitivity and durability even after repeated use, thanks to its vinylogous urethane bonding structure which self-heals in response to external stimuli. The sensors based on this network excel at detecting various mechanical movements, heat, and light, and have been shown to accurately detect human body movements such as finger bends, facial expressions, and swallowing movements in the throat.
The team focused on addressing the issue of e-waste by designing the technology to combine recyclability with high performance. By creating a material with the ability to maintain sensitivity after recycling, they aim to reduce the amount of electronic waste produced. This technology has potential applications not only in sensor technology but also in next-generation electronics, wearable devices, and medical equipment. The researchers are currently working on commercializing the technology for widespread industrial use.
The dynamic polymer network developed by the team has garnered attention for its versatility in supporting repeated use and recycling. This, in turn, promises to contribute significantly to reducing electronic waste and extending the lifespan of electronic devices and wearable sensors. The material offers excellent processability and can be recycled either mechanically or chemically, making it a practical and sustainable solution for high-sensitivity sensors. The research was supported by the Industrial Technology Alchemist Project and the Basic Research Center Project of the Ministry of Science and ICT, with the findings published in the Chemical Engineering Journal.
In order to overcome the performance degradation typically seen in existing high-sensitivity sensors, the team utilized the unique properties of the dynamic polymer network. By maintaining sensitivity and durability through self-healing vinylogous urethane bonding, the sensors are able to retain their high performance even after multiple uses. Furthermore, the material is sensitive to external stimuli such as temperature, light, and pressure, making it particularly well-suited for detecting human body movements with accuracy.
The recyclable high-sensitivity sensor developed by Professor Park’s team has the potential to revolutionize the field of sensor technology by offering a sustainable solution to the issue of e-waste. With its innovative dynamic polymer network and self-healing properties, the sensors exhibit excellent sensitivity and durability. By combining recyclability with high performance, the material has far-reaching implications for a variety of industries, including electronics, wearable devices, and medical equipment. The team’s ongoing efforts to commercialize the technology for industrial applications are a promising step towards reducing electronic waste and promoting sustainability in electronic devices.
Overall, the research conducted by Professor Chiyoung Park and his team at DGIST, in collaboration with Professor U-hyeok Choi of Inha University, has resulted in the development of a groundbreaking recyclable high-sensitivity sensor based on the dynamic polymer network. With its ability to maintain sensitivity and durability through self-healing vinylogous urethane bonding, the material offers a sustainable solution to the issue of e-waste. The team’s work promises to have significant implications for sensor technology, electronics, wearable devices, and medical equipment, with potential applications in various industries. By combining recyclability with high performance, the technology offers a promising step towards reducing electronic waste and promoting sustainability in electronic devices.