Stretchable flexible
conductive composites have received considerable
attention recently. In this study, highly conductive and stretchable
composites were synthesized using Ag microflakes (AgMFs), Ag nanodendrites
(AgNDs), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The AgNDs are prepared
by a facile replacement reaction between silver nitrate and zinc powder.
The AgMFs/AgNDs/TPU flexible conductive composites show excellent
electrical (8.28 × 10–5 Ω·cm), mechanical,
and flexible properties, which can be bent, twisted, and stretched
(elongation at break is as high as 250%). During the deformation process,
the AgNDs act as conducting bridges between AgMFs. This resulted in
good conductive stability of flexible conductive composites under
bending, twisting, and stretching. The significant electromechanical
properties are also demonstrated by a simple flexible circuit composed
of a light-emitting diode (LED) and the stretchable conductor. The
AgMFs/AgNDs/TPU flexible conductive films were bent or twisted 10000
times, and the LED can still work well. Taken together, the AgMFs/AgNDs/TPU
flexible conductive composites with outstanding electrical and mechanical
properties are especially suitable for the flexible electronics device
applications.