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Stretchable, self-healable integrated conductor based on mechanical reinforced graphene/polyurethane composites
Han Gao1, Jianan Xu2, Shen Liu1
1State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|April 23, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a novel self-healing stretchable conductor using a biphasic dynamic network. This material demonstrates exceptional mechanical strength and efficient conductivity recovery, enhancing durability for flexible electronics and sensors.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Stretchable conductors are prone to wear and damage from repeated deformation.
- Existing self-healing conductors often address only conductive or insulating layers, not both.
- Achieving high mechanical strength and self-healing simultaneously in stretchable conductors is difficult due to interfacial challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a stretchable conductor with integral self-healing capabilities and superior mechanical robustness.
- To overcome the limitations of current self-healing materials by addressing both conductive and insulating layers.
- To enhance the longevity and safety of electronic devices through advanced material design.
Main Methods:
- Adaptation of a biphasic dynamic network strategy incorporating dynamic bonds (dimethylglyoxime-urethane polyurethane) and hydrogen bonds.
- Integration of graphene as a hard phase to enhance mechanical properties.
- Fabrication of an all-solid graphene/dimethylglyoxime-urethane polyurethane (Gr/DOU-PU) composite.
Main Results:
- The Gr/DOU-PU composite exhibits high mechanical strength (approx. 6 MPa, 1000% strain, 48 MJ m⁻³).
- Achieved efficient self-healing conductivity (approx. 90% recovery in 10 min at 25 °C).
- Demonstrated good conductivity (sheet resistance of 47.8 Ω □⁻¹ for a 0.4 mm thick sample).
Conclusions:
- The developed biphasic dynamic network strategy enables integral self-healing and high mechanical strength in stretchable conductors.
- The Gr/DOU-PU composite shows excellent stability, making it suitable for flexible electronics and stress sensors.
- This material offers a promising solution for durable and reliable stretchable electronic applications.
