Abstract
Stretchable dry electrodes for measuring biological signals were prepared on a stretchable textile substrate by printing an elastomer-based electrically-conductive paste with Ag fillers loading. Interfacial impedance between electrode and skin was suggested to vary depending on contact pressure of electrodes and water content of stratum corneum. When water content of stratum corneum was >30%, electrocardiograms (ECG) could be measured using the stretchable electrodes printed on a compression shirt. By contrast, significant noise prevented to detect ECG signals when water content of stratum corneum was <30%. To resolve this problem, supporting electrodes consisting of an electrically-conductive polyurethane form were prepared using a sonoprocess. Because the supporting electrodes are effective to increase contact pressure of electrodes, ECG could be measured even at the low water contents of stratum corneum by using the supporting electrodes. In addition, ECG signals were successfully monitored during walking by achieving sufficient contact between electrodes and skin.
