Work

Phytic acid-assisted low-temperature carbonization of jute fabric for high-performance flexible pressure sensors

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Carbon materials are ideal for flexible pressure sensors owing to their stable conductivity and light weight, yet conventional carbonization often sacrifices flexibility for electrical performance. Here, we report a phytic acid (PA)-assisted strategy that lowers the carbonization temperature of jute by 200 °C while markedly enhancing mechanical properties—showing a 24.9-fold increase in fracture strength (reaching 91.50 kPa), improved elongation (17.96%), and low sheet resistance (8.48 ± 0.45 Ω/sq). We have developed a flexible pressure sensor (TPU/CPA/DJ) by combining four-layer phytate-assisted carbonated degummed jute (CPA/DJ) with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) via solvent-induced phase separation technology. The sensor exhibits high sensitivity (5.28 kPa⁻¹), a broad detection range (5 Pa to 200 kPa), and a fast response time. The device reliably monitors both human motion and subtle pressures. This work elucidates the role of phosphorus-catalyzed carbon layer formation during low-temperature conversion and provides a sustainable route to high-performance wearable electronics.

Source: npj Flexible Electronics

DOI: 10.1038/s41528-026-00541-9