using the macroporous nanoelectronic chemical sensor networks offers opportuni-
ties for self-monitoring of gel, polymers and tissue systems relevant to many areas
of science and technology [ 22 , 23 ].
3.3.3 Mapping Strain Distribution in Elastomer.............
We have used embedded 3D macroporous nanoelectronic networks to map strain
distributions in elastomeric silicone host materials. Previous studies have shown
that Si nanowires have a high piezoresistance response [ 12 ], making them as good
Fig. 3.5 3D macroporous strain sensors embedded in elastomer.aμ-CT 3D reconstruction of the
macroporous strain sensor array embedded in a piece of elastomer. Pseudo-colors are applied:
orange: metal, purple: elastomer.bDarkfield microscopy image of a typical nanowire device
indicated by red dash circle in (a). All the functional nanowires are intentionally aligned parallel to
the axial axis of the elastomer cylinder. The white arrow points a nanowire.cA bending strain
field was applied to the elastomer piece. The 3D strainfield was mapped by the nanowire strain
sensors using the sensitivity calibration of the nanowire devices. The detected strains are labeled in
the cylinder image at the device positions
34 3 Integration of Three-Dimensional Macroporous Nanoelectronics...