Highly stretchable conductors based on biobased elastomers and conductive nanoparticles

In recent years', materials showing high stretchability and conductivity have attracted significant interests from researchers from different fields, including Materials Science and Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering and Electronic and Electrical Engineering. A hindrance to research lies in most existing materials not having these essential properties, largely limiting the development of next generation technologies.

This project aims to synthesise novel thermoplastic elastomers using bio-based building blocks and introduce conductivity through the addition of conducting particles, such as carbon nanotubes or graphene, with or without surface treatment, by different designs. Through expanding the knowledge on stretchable conductors, advancements in various applications such as electronic devices, energy devices, sensors, wearable medical devices and soft robotics can be achieved.

Objective 1: To synthesise novel thermoplastic elastomers using biobased building blocks, and characterise them by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, mechanical tests, etc.

Objective 2: To prepare highly conductive functionalised nanoparticles using graphene or carbon nanotubes, and characterise them by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, digital multimetry, etc.

Objective 3: To manufacture highly stretchable and highly conductive conductors based on the optimal elastomers and nanomaterials selected from the above characterisation results, in combination with various designs. Their mechanical and conductive properties, including stretchability and cyclic properties as well as conductivity versus different strains and/or bending angles, will be measured. The relationships between the material, design and properties will be investigated.

Objective 4: The potential applications of these novel stretchable conductors will be demonstrated through preparing prototype devices and evaluating their performance. These devices may include stretchable electronics, wearable medical devices and strain sensors.

Through carrying out this project further advancements in the fields of stretchable conductors, polymers, nanomaterials and advanced manufacturing will be made.

This projects aligns with several of EPSRC's research areas. The first being Polymer Materials, specifically outcome R4: looking to manage resources efficiently and sustainably. Another research area covered by this topic is Sensors and Instrumentation, predominantly outcome H5: looking to develop wearable sensors. Further research areas Graphene and Carbon Nanotechnology, Materials Engineering-Composites and Materials for Energy Applications, namely outcome P5: looking to transform to a more sustainable society, can also be included in the scope of this project.