Structural conductive carbon nanotube nanocomposites for stretchable electronics

Abstract

Carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites have been widely used for electronic devices because of their high conductivity and ease of processing. However, these nanocomposites have limited functionality because of their rigid intrinsic mechanical properties. In this study, we fabricated a stretchable serpentine structure using a CNT nanocomposite with a carboxymethyl cellulose binder. For a flexible mold, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was cast by the stretchable serpentine structure fabricated by a 3D printer. The CNT nanocomposite slurry was squeegeed into the serpentine-patterned PDMS mold. Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the material properties of the nanocomposites with 15–45 wt% CNTs. We analyzed the serpentine grid structure using current-voltage curves, strain resistance values, and the Joule heating effect. Next, we developed the structural CNT nanocomposite electrode (SCNE) that was insulated by PDMS, and induced a skin-warming effect by Joule heating. Furthermore, light emitting diodes (LEDs) were implanted in series into a T-shaped linear SCNE, which had greater stretchability. The nine LEDs embedded in the SCNE were successfully operated by applying 20 V during the bending of the structure. Finally, the serpentine-shaped linear SCNEs with serially-implanted LEDs were programmed to light the LEDs in unison with the beat of a song.