Title of Paper:Three-dimensional nanonetworks for giant stretchability in dielectrics and conductors

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Date of Publication:2012-06-01

Journal:NATURE COMMUNICATIONS

Included Journals:SCIE、Scopus

Volume:3

ISSN No.:2041-1723

Abstract:The realization of levels of stretchability that extend beyond intrinsic limits of bulk materials is of great importance to stretchable electronics. Here we report large-area, three-dimensional nano-architectures that achieve this outcome in materials that offer both insulating and conductive properties. For the elastomer poly(dimethylsiloxane), such geometries enhance the stretchability and fracture strain by similar to 62 % and similar to 225 % over the bulk, unstructured case. The underlying physics involves local rotations of narrow structural elements in the three-dimensional network, as identified by mechanical modelling. To demonstrate the applications of three-dimensional poly(dimethylsiloxane), we create a stretchable conductor obtained by filling the interstitial regions with liquid metal. This stretchable composite shows extremely high electrical conductivity (similar to 24,100 S cm(-1)) even at strains > 200 %, with good cyclic properties and with current-carrying capacities that are sufficient for interconnects in light-emitting diode systems. Collectively, these concepts provide new design opportunities for stretchable electronics.