Fabrication Approaches to Interconnect Based Devices for Stretchable Electronics: A Review.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Wearable Technology

Background:

• Stretchable electronics are increasingly relevant due to rapid technological maturation.
• Creating stretchable conductors involves geometric patterning, conductive fillers in elastomers, or intrinsically stretchable materials.
• Diverse material systems exist, requiring guidance for application engineers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a literature study on various stretchable electronics approaches.
• To discuss standardization of characteristic tests and assess industrial maturity.
• To provide an overview for engineers navigating the field of stretchable electronics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of different stretchable electronics approaches.
• Analysis of characteristic tests and their standardization.
• Assessment of the industrial readiness of various stretchable electronic technologies.

Main Results:

• Stretchable electronics span from patterned copper foils (closer to industry) to liquid metal circuits (less mature).
• Printing techniques offer a transitional approach, established industrially but not traditionally linked to electronics.
• While some approaches show maturity, industrial adaptation for consumer electronics is unpredictable.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress has been made in stretchable electronics, but a clear path to widespread industrial adaptation is not yet defined.
• Standardization of testing and a breakthrough commercial application are crucial for the industrial adoption of stretchable electronics.
• Liquid metal-based electronics show promise but require further development for commercial viability.