

FOLLOWUS
a.School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
b.Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
lijun@wyu.edu.cn (J.L.)
lisa-lisa.zhang@polyu.edu.hk (L.S.Z.)
xiao-ming.tao@polyu.edu.hk (X.M.T.)
Received:04 June 2025,
Accepted:30 September 2025,
Online First:18 December 2025,
Published:15 January 2026
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Li, J.; Ma, K. M.; Zhang, L. S.; Tao, X. M. Tailoring dielectric properties of polymer matrix composites for high-performance flexible sensors. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. 2026, 44, 116–126
Jun Li, Kit-Ming Ma, Li-Sha Zhang, et al. Tailoring Dielectric Properties of Polymer Matrix Composites for High-performance Flexible Sensors[J]. Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, 2026, 44(1): 116-126.
Li, J.; Ma, K. M.; Zhang, L. S.; Tao, X. M. Tailoring dielectric properties of polymer matrix composites for high-performance flexible sensors. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. 2026, 44, 116–126 DOI: 10.1007/s10118-025-3470-z.
Jun Li, Kit-Ming Ma, Li-Sha Zhang, et al. Tailoring Dielectric Properties of Polymer Matrix Composites for High-performance Flexible Sensors[J]. Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, 2026, 44(1): 116-126. DOI: 10.1007/s10118-025-3470-z.
A flexible dielectric (
ε
r
=1415
tan
δ
=0.380
100 Hz) is achieved through
in situ
controllable reduction of graphene oxide (GO) in a poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE-CFE)) matrix
arising from optimized electron conjugation
controlled charge migration
and uniform filler dispersion
via
micro-interactions.
Polymer matrix composites with high dielectric constants and low dielectric losses are in high demand for flexible electronics. However
simultaneously satisfying these requirements poses a significant scientific challenge owing to the intrinsic trade-off relationship. Herein
we utilized the
in situ
controllable reduction of graphene oxide (GO) within a poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE-CFE)) matrix to regulate the dielectric properties. The as-obtained composite exhibited a high relative dielectric constant of 1415 coupled with a low loss tangent of 0.380 at 100 Hz. Experimental and theoretical studies indicate that the increased degree of electron conjugation and conductivity of the
reduced GO (RGO) are responsible for the high-
k
. The constrained reduction degree of GO
combined with its homogeneous dispersion in the polymer matrix
effectively suppresses long-range charge carrier migration
thereby minimizing dielectric loss. This novel strategy could be successfully applied to both organic and aqueous systems. Furthermore
a high-performance flexible capacitive proximity sensor was exemplified by the optimization of both the dielectric layer and electrode pattern
exhibiting excellent sensitivity and stability. The fundamental mechanisms elucidated in this study provide crucial design principles for developing dielectric PMCs with tailored properties
thereby opening new avenues for advanced flexible electronic applications.
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