Homogeneity of liquid metal polymer composites: impact on mechanical, electrical, and sensing behavior

Abstract

A novel method achieved non-conductive LMPCs with uniform dispersion revealing unique galinstan concentration relationships and insights on homogeneity, dielectric strength, and sensing behavior to advance soft, deformable electronics research.

Gallium–Carbon: A Universal Composite for Sustainable 3D Printing of Integrated Sensor–Heater–Battery Systems in Wearable and Recyclable Electronics

“…The design, featuring a micro-three-dimensional (micro-3D) conductive network and a sinusoidal structure, exhibited exceptional performance, specifically for thermotherapy during intense knee joint exercises . Furthermore, it demonstrated potential applications in stretchable capacitive strain sensors and stretchable earphones for wearable devices. − Despite that, such composites, the elastomer–LM composite itself is nonconductive and requires mechanical sintering for conductivity. , Although previous work identified limitations of LM elastomers (LMEs), ,− solutions involve developing a free-sinter, nonsmearing, and distinctive conductive ink through the mixture of LM with metal filler particles and elastomers, effectively addressing the aforementioned issues. ,, However, challenges include the excessive cost of filler particles such as Ag and Au, as well as their rigid behavior, posing practical application challenges . Previous approaches introduced rigid filler particles such as Ag, Au, Ni, Fe, etc., to achieve sinter-free conductivity (as indicated in Tables S1 and S2, SI).…”

“… 20 − 22 Despite that, such composites, the elastomer–LM composite itself is nonconductive and requires mechanical sintering for conductivity. 23 , 24 Although previous work identified limitations of LM elastomers (LMEs), 3 , 25 − 27 solutions involve developing a free-sinter, nonsmearing, and distinctive conductive ink through the mixture of LM with metal filler particles and elastomers, effectively addressing the aforementioned issues. 3 , 24 , 28 However, challenges include the excessive cost of filler particles such as Ag and Au, as well as their rigid behavior, posing practical application challenges.…”