Two-dimensional pressure mapping using a porous PVDF film with orthogonal stripe electrodes

Flexible and wearable pressure sensors are essential components for next-generation healthcare monitoring, human–machine interfaces, and artificial skin applications. In particular, two-dimensional pressure mapping sensors capable of spatially resolved measurements are required for tactile sensing and motion analysis. However, most existing pressure mapping sensors rely on rigid inorganic materials and complex microfabrication processes, limiting their applicability in flexible systems. This paper presents a flexible two-dimensional pressure mapping sensor based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and a simple orthogonal wire-electrode architecture. A uniformly deposited PVDF film is sandwiched between two layers of metal wire electrodes with a width of approximately 150 μm, enabling pressure distribution measurements with a spatial resolution of 200 μm. Unlike previously reported flexible pressure mapping sensors that employ microfabrication or nanostructured sensing layers, the proposed device is fabricated using a low-temperature, solution-based PVDF deposition process, resulting in a simple, scalable, and cost-effective structure. The pressure response characteristics of the sensor were experimentally evaluated, demonstrating stable and repeatable piezoelectric output under applied normal pressure. The pressure sensing mechanism of the proposed mapping sensor is also discussed. Owing to its mechanical flexibility, simple fabrication, and high spatial resolution, the proposed PVDF-based pressure mapping sensor is promising for wearable sensing and tactile interface applications.