Evaluation of long-term properties of graphene-based textile pressure

This project aimed to verify the performances of using graphene based, textile pressure sensors in selected products including hospital mattresses, wheelchair cushions, and various furniture and related accessories.

The goal is to offer a favorable pressure distribution is of great importance, both from a comfort and a health perspective, and by monitoring the pressure between a user and the contact surface, hazardous and/or unpleasant pressure conditions can be more easily discovered and prevented (eg by exchanging the product to a more suitable one or initiating a position change). Such functionalities of graphene sensor has been charcatrized, both for the user (health and comfort) and the producers (competitive and thereby commercial benefits). Graphene based sensors' advantages has been compared to alternative sensor materials including large design flexibility, cost effectivity and environmentally friendly. After the long-term accuracy and reliability been tested in the intended applications in lab conditions. selected sensors have sent for long time test under real user conditions in the intended application environments: medical devices producers (medical mattress), wheelchair and furniture. The result of the project has facilitated the commercialization evalution of the graphene sensor: production volume, cost, and adding value to the product users.

The potential will be further discussed with consortium to determine the next step and to identify suitable external collaboration partners.