MCC-based Transducer Material to Detect Relative Humidity

There is a current trend to finds alternatives to non-biodegradable synthetic polymers and toxic inorganics with more eco-friendly natural materials. This study demonstrates the potential of Micro Crystalline Cellulose (MCC) as a smart material. Highly hydrophilic MCC has an excellent affinity for moisture. The study investigates the performance of MCC as a transducer material for capacitive relative humidity (RH) sensors in the frequency range from 50 Hz to 5 MHz. The MCC transducer provides remarkably accurate RH measurements for RH range 77-100%. As this transducer is compatible with most of the wearable materials, the proposed sensor could even be developed as a wearable sensor. The results provided here could open significant opportunities in the wearable sensor developments.