Conference Paper/Proceeding/Abstract 1221 views
Flexible and stretchable inks for wearable applications
Advances in Printing and Media Technology - Proceedings of the 46th International Research Conference of iarigai, Volume: XLVI(VI), Pages: 156 - 164
Swansea University Authors:
Andrew Claypole, Tim Claypole
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DOI (Published version): 10.14622/Advances_46_2019
Abstract
The inks used to create printed electronics for wearable technology, especially if it is to be attached directly to garments, must be able to bend and stretch to conform to the wearer’s body and to accommodate the movement of the wearer. The performance of a conductive ink consisting of a thermoplas...
| Published in: | Advances in Printing and Media Technology - Proceedings of the 46th International Research Conference of iarigai |
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| ISBN: | 978-3-948039-01-1 |
| ISSN: | 2409-4021 |
| Published: |
2019
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa53315 |
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| Abstract: |
The inks used to create printed electronics for wearable technology, especially if it is to be attached directly to garments, must be able to bend and stretch to conform to the wearer’s body and to accommodate the movement of the wearer. The performance of a conductive ink consisting of a thermoplastic polyurethane and a blend of functionalised Graphite Nano Platelets with Carbon Black developed for application to high stretch garments has been fully characterised from its viscoelastic properties as an ink through to the impact of stretching and flexing the printed ink film. The inks were subjected to full rheological testing including shear flow measurements and viscoelastic measurements using Small Amplitude Oscillatory Shear (SAOS). Extension tests of the printed layers were undertaken using a Hounsfield Tensile testing machine whilst the effect of this extension on the electrical resistance of the sample was simultaneously monitored. The addition of the nano carbons to the resin increases the elastic properties of the inks and has a direct impact on the printability. The electrical conductivity of the ink is unaffected by flexing without stretch. A change of <5% was observed following creasing of the samples using a 300N load. Nominal strains of 10 and 100 % were selected for cyclic extension testing. Following an initial stretch cycle that increased the resistance of the ink, the ink and substrate exhibited consistent resistance change with extension. This repeatable performance would allow for predictability of ink performance in wearable applications. It also suggests the potential for use as a low resistance strain sensor. Beyond this point there is an increasing loss of conductive paths as the material permanently deforms and there is an exponential increase in resistance. The ink was pulled to maximum extension, becoming non-conductive at >300% strain. |
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| Start Page: |
156 |
| End Page: |
164 |