Stretchable, Printable and Electrically Conductive Composites for Wearable RF Antennas

Abstract

The rapid growth of wearable electronics has driven the demand for new material solution in electronic packaging. Highly stretchable and electrically conductive composites can be of great use as stretchable conductors in wearable devices. Recently, the reduction in package size and increase in device functionalities have posed more stringent yet challenging requirements for stretchable conductors, including the capability to provide distinctive electrical signals under strains, perform exceptional reliability, and show compatibility with printing technologies to make high resolution patterns. In this work, we have developed a novel conductive composite consisting of a modified elastomer and silver nanostructures that combines high stretchability, conductivity, and printability with fine feature sizes. The formulated composites have been applied in smart wearable bands for Internet of Things (IoT) applications.