Transparent Touch Sensors on Wood: Sustainable Development With Aesthetic Integrity

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly crucial focus across various industries, reigniting interest in wood as a material. To enable its broader utility and smart applications, the integration of electronics and sensors into wooden surfaces is essential. Yet, preserving the optical integrity of elegant wood finishes is of paramount importance. This article presents the realization of a transparent touch sensor on recon veneers. The touch sensor relies on an interdigital capacitor (IDC), screen-printed using silver nanowire ink. Applying a protective coating onto the sensor prevents responses to ambient humidity. The temperature dependence of the sensor signal exhibits a contrasting trend compared to the touch response. The sensor demonstrates the highest touch sensitivity at a frequency of 2.57 MHz. A standard deviation of 0.7% was found, highlighting the sensor’s precision. This research paves the way for seamlessly incorporating advanced electronics into wooden surfaces while maintaining their aesthetic appeal and functionality.