Reliable stretchable gold interconnects in biocompatible elastomers

Abstract

AbstractOne of the key issues in realization of stretchable and curvilinear electronics is the fabrication of stretchable interconnects. Stretchable interconnects are basically conductor lines embedded in elastomer substrates. Currently, metal interconnects embedded in polydimethylsiloxane are one of the major candidates. In this work, a novel straightforward method is presented that allows the fabrication of 20 μm wide stretchable gold interconnects starting from commercial double sided flexes (Cu–PI–Cu). These interconnects are still fully functional after a minimum of 100 k cycles at 40% elongation. In addition to outstanding reliability in this method of fabrication, fine pitch and biocompatibility are the added values paving the way for medical grade stretchable electronics. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012