Highly stretchable conductor with elastomeric passivation sheath enabling applications in harsh conditions

Abstract

The rapid development of robotics requires stretchable electrical conductors capable of large deformations and having high operational stability in terms of electrical and mechanical characteristics. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been considered as the primary component of stretchable conductors, and mechanically drawn CNT sheets have shown their functionality when combined with various elastomeric materials in the shape of yarns. Herein, an electrically passivated stretchable conductor with an elastomer sheath and a spandex–CNT coiled-yarn core structure is reported. Based on the proven performance of spandex–CNT coiled-yarn, the electrical insulation by the Ecoflex elastomer enhances its applicability in an actual situation without degrading the stretchable conductor functionality. The experimental results show a substantial working deformation range (up to 350%), high durability, and low resistance variation during repetitive stretch and release cycles. Additionally, its stability is confirmed over a wide temperature range (up to 150 °C) and even inside an acidic liquid environment where the elastomeric sheath protects the conducting core. The perfect cooperation between the Ecoflex sheath and spandex–CNT core opens the possibility of deploying this stretchable conductor technology under harsh conditions.