Graphene and Silly Putty combined to create innovative sensor material

Scientists have identified potential medical applications for a sensor material created using a mixture of graphene and Silly Putty.

A team from Trinity College Dublin and the University of Manchester have shown how combining graphene with polysilicone, which is sold as a children's novelty item under the Silly Putty name, can be used to make extremely sensitive sensors.

Infusing polysilicone with graphene creates a substance the team dubbed G-putty, which is able to conduct electricity. Moreover, the electrical resistance of G-putty was shown to be extremely sensitive to the slightest deformation or impact.

As such, placing G-putty on the chest and neck of human subjects allowed highly specific measurements of breathing, pulse rates and blood pressure to be taken, detecting strain and pressure hundreds of times more sensitively than current sensors.

The material was also shown to work as an extremely precise impact sensor capable of detecting the footsteps of small spiders.

Study leader Professor Jonathan Coleman from Trinity College Dublin said: "The behaviour we found with G-putty has not been found in any other composite material. This unique discovery will open up major possibilities in sensor manufacturing worldwide."

With over 20 years of experience within the service engineering market, we at Zenopa have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help find the right job for you. To find out more about the current service engineering roles we have available, you can search for the latest job roles, register your details, or contact the team today.