Flexible and Stretchable Electronics for Harsh‐Environmental Applications

Abstract

Monitoring, measuring and controlling electronic systems in space exploration, automotive industries, downhole oil and gas industries, oceanic environment, geothermal power plants, etc. require materials and processes that can withstand harsh environments. Such harshness can come from the surrounding temperature, varying pressure, intense radiation, reactive chemicals, humidity, salinity, or a combination of any of these conditions. Here, we review recent progress in the development of flexible and stretchable electronic devices for harsh environment applications. We consider studies on how the selection of a specific material is important for a specific application and how the selection of the material plays critical role in sustained performance. We present specific examples for selected applications. We also look at works on methods and designs for achieving flexibility and stretchability in devices designed for harsh environments. Finally, we look at studies on Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation packaging techniques that enable deployment of conventional electronic devices in harsh environment applications and offer a few examples.

A Highly Sensitive, Reliable, and High‐Temperature‐Resistant Flexible Pressure Sensor Based on Ceramic Nanofibers

“…In particular, wearable sensors that can be used in harsh environments, including situations with high/low temperatures, [ 17 ] high salinity, [ 18 ] high/low humidity, [ 19 ] and ultrahigh pressures, [ 20 ] are in increasing demand. [ 21 ] For example, biometric data (e.g., heart rate, respiration rate, body temperature, and electrocardiogram) collected by physiological monitoring of firefighters on the fireground can provide near‐real‐time information for the commander to make critical decisions about the dangerous level of the members operating on the scene, which will enhance a firefighter's safety and survivability. However, current high‐temperature sensors based on silicon, [ 22 ] diamond, [ 23 ] and ceramics, [ 24 ] are mechanically rigid and costly, while polymer‐based flexible sensors undergo severe performance degradation or even complete failures under complicated environments.…”

Advances in Rational Design and Materials of High‐Performance Stretchable Electromechanical Sensors

“…The harsh environment applications include electronic devices used in extremely low or high temperatures, high radiation, high salinity, high humidity, or any combination of these conditions. [ 211 ] The sensors should function consistently in hostile conditions including at high temperatures, high corrosion, and humidity. In some successful demonstrations, metals (e.g., nickel) and titanium alloys have shown the excellent long‐term performance at high temperatures [ 212,213 ] and in aerospace applications.…”

“…Some materials (e.g., SiC and GaN) for flexible/stretchable electronics and electromechanical sensors used in harsh environments have been developed and reviewed. [ 211,217–219 ]…”

Highly thermoconductive yet ultraflexible polymer composites with superior mechanical properties and autonomous self-healing functionalityviaa binary filler strategy

“…27 The lifetime of flexible electronic devices is mainly dominated by the tolerance to repeated operations including poking, bending, stretching, or twisting, as well as the resistance to environmental damage, such as wear, tear, or accidental scratches. 28 It is not hard to see that several major components are susceptible to mechanics-induced damage in complex stress environments, causing device failure. 29 The conception of self-healing, imitating the functionalities of wound-diagnosis and autonomous healing of living organisms after suffering damage, endows materials with the ability to repair damage, and maintain structural integrity over a long period of time.…”