No abstract

Flexible and stretchable electrical conductors are needed in a wide range of applications to maintain electrical conductance under large deformation. Here we report a new type of stretchable electrical conductor capable of large deformation. Using a simple and cost-effective dip-coating technique, conductive nanomaterials including sliver nanowires (AgNWs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were deposited onto the surface of polyurethane (PU) foam, forming a three-dimensional segregated conductive network. The pores were subsequently infused with elastomeric polymethylsiloxane (PDMS). Upon curing, the resultant nanocomposite is highly conductive even under large strain. Compared with nanocomposites made of a single type of conductive nanomaterial, the nanocomposite obtained by sequential dip-coating with AgNWs and then CNFs gave the best performance, due to the synergetic effect between the two conductive nanomaterials. This highly conductive nanocomposites can withstand large mechanical deformations, including stretching, twisting, and bending while maintain its high electrical conductivity. With a lowcost and simple fabrication process, these newly developed conductive nanocomposites offer a new type of stretchable conductors for wearable electronics.

No abstract

Electrocaloric phenomenon in polymers and metals has gained significant interest as alternative mechanism to conventional compressor-based refrigerators and air conditioners. This renewed interest stems from recent discoveries of the new...