Surface Embedded Metal Nanowire-Liquid Metal-Elastomer Hybrid Composites for Stretchable Electronics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Liquid metal (LM) alloys and metallic filler composites are key stretchable conductors.
• LM alloys have high deformability but are difficult to pattern; metallic fillers degrade conductivity under strain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create and characterize silver nanowire (AgNW)-LM-elastomer hybrid composites.
• To investigate the process-structure-property relationships of sequential and mixed fabrication methods.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of AgNW-LM-elastomer hybrid composites using sequential and mixed approaches.
• Investigating the electromechanical performance and material properties under varying strain.
• Characterizing the formation of intermetallic compounds and their impact on properties.

Main Results:

• Hybrid composites exhibit tunable conductivity based on AgNW:LM ratios.
• Sequential fabrication yields superior electromechanical stability, with minimal resistance increase (2.04% at 90% strain) for a 1:2.4 (AgNW:LMP w/w) composite.
• Formation of AgIn2 intermetallic compounds in the sequential approach enhances deformability and mechanical robustness.

Conclusions:

• AgNW-LM-elastomer hybrid composites offer a promising solution for stable, stretchable conductors.
• The sequential fabrication method is advantageous for achieving high electromechanical stability and durability.
• Demonstrated applications include stretchable heaters and circuits for wearable electronics.