Stretchable conductive adhesives for connection of electronics in wearable devices based on metal-polymer conductors and carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Stretchable wearable devices with various functions are being continuously developed. However, the problem of how to connect rigid electronics to stretchable circuits has not been properly solved. In this study, we use stretchable conductive adhesives to realize stretchable connections between electronics and circuits, so that the overall reliability of stretchable wearable devices can be strengthened. The adhesives are based on metal-polymer conductors where polydimethylsiloxane is used as an elastomer matrix, while liquid metals form electrically conductive networks collectively with carbon nanotubes. The composites show superior adaptability to stretchable wearable devices due to excellent stretchability (maximum tensile strain: 40%) and stability of electrical conductivity in deformation (ΔR/R < 16% at maximum tensile strain), which goes beyond existing conductive adhesives, and can satisfy the requirements of most applications. A stretchable light emitting diode screen is fabricated using the stretchable conductive adhesives and exhibits good performance under cyclic deformations.