Intrinsic conducting strain sensors with negative resistive effects for extreme environments applications.

• The ultra-fine stainless-steel fibers into mesh as conductive stretchable base. • SSM has excellent mechanical properties and negative resistance effects. • The sensor has high sensitivity, wide detection range and good repeatability. • It is expected to be applied to robots performing tasks at extreme temperatures. The sensors used in extreme environments has broad application prospects. Herein, the ultra-fine stainless-steel fibers are knitted into a stainless-steel mesh (SSM) by warp knitting. Through the simple plate coating method, the SSM@silicone composite strain sensors are prepared. The sensor shows obvious negative resistance effects, meanwhile, it has the advantages of high sensitivity (GF = 14.9), wide detection range (30 %), good repeatability, and can be used at 300 ℃ and −20 ℃. It is anticipated to be applied on robots that perform tasks in extreme temperature environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]