Dip coated stretchable and bendable PEDOTPSS films on low modulus micro-bumpy PDMS substrate

Abstract

Abstract Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOTPSS) is an organic conductive polymer which has a great potential to replace metallic conductors in thin film electronics. This paper reports the experimental findings on the electromechanical performance of conductive PEDOTPSS thin films on a stretchable and flexible low modulus polymer substrate, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), having random micro-bumpy roughness features. All films were fabricated using the method of dip coating, which is cost effective and also favorable for mass production. The main goal of the study is to quantify the stretchability and bendability of dip coated PEDOTPSS thin films on PDMS substrate having random micro-bumpy type of roughness features. The films displayed almost constant resistance up to 10% axial strain and were also found to remain conductive when bent up to a diameter of 2 mm.