Landorf C.W., Alford J., Garrison J., Gibbons S., Shih W-S, Leever B.J., Berrigan J.D.
Brewer Science, Inc, US
Keywords: flexible, stretchable elctroncs carbon nanotube composite printable inks
Electronic devices are increasingly being used in products that are not expected to be rigid and flat. Many strategies have been implemented to create electronics that can work under stress and strain that would fracture ordinary silicon architecture. Effective strategies, including zigzag and pre-stretched substrates, can only be effective in one dimension. For true flexibility, the conductive material itself must be designed to function under strain. Using composite materials allows conductive materials to gain some flexibility from the matrix without breaking the connection. We report on an innovative class of printable carbon nanotube composites that maintain connectivity through strain as large as 400%. Through the use of an additive to our carbon nanotube ink, the conductivity of our materials is 47% of the original material conductivity at 100% strain. These materials can be screen printed and cured with standard screen-printing equipment for use in strain sensors with a very large operating range. Integration of such flexible and stretchable conductors and connectors will be a key enabler for wearable electronics.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2014: Graphene, CNTs, Particles, Films & Composites
Published: June 15, 2014
Pages: 340 - 343
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topics: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications, Composite Materials
ISBN: 978-1-4822-5826-4