Interlaced Circuits for Multidirectional Stretchable Electronics

Abstract

AbstractStretchable electronic circuits have the potential to the fields where electronics have to be conformable, deformable and stretchable into three dimensional surfaces. In this work, an “interlaced” structure is developed for multidirectional stretchable circuit. The shape of the conductor is loop-like configuration. A knitted structure is employed for the elastic substrate due to its flexibility, high stretchability, low cost and simple fabrication. The electro-mechanical behavior of the interlaced circuit is investigated in three different directions, i.e., 0-degree, 45-degree, and 90-degree, respectively. A significant improvement in stretchability is achieved in 0-degree direction. Then, a preliminary theoretical analysis is made in the electro-mechanical mechanism of the interlaced circuit. From the experimental investigation and theoretical analysis, it is found that the interlaced structure gives the conductor more freedom to move in the substrate, decreasing the stress concentration in the crest and trough parts of the loop when it is stretched.