Mechanical sensing by cellulose-aided composites: A critical overview

Stress sensors are crucial in modern technology and industry, with widespread applications in health monitoring, smart manufacturing, and biomedical fields. Cellulose, a naturally abundant, renewable, biocompatible, and biodegradable polymer, exhibits exceptional mechanical strength, chemical stability, and functionalization potential. Due to its remarkable mechanical properties and structural advantages, cellulose-based composite materials offer unique benefits in mechanical sensing applications. Their high sensitivity, robust stability, and sustainability make them ideal substrates for enhancing sensor performance and expanding application scopes. In this perspective, we explore the use of cellulose fibers as template materials that provide structural support for target composite materials. We further examine the development of cellulose composites as active layers in various sensor mechanisms. Additionally, we review recent advancements in flexible devices fabricated from cellulose-based composite materials, particularly in human-machine interaction and wearable electronics technology. Finally, we summarize the role of cellulose-based materials in kinetic sensing, critically analyze current limitations and challenges, and discuss future prospects for their development.