Laser-induced
graphene (LIG) emerged as one of the most promising
materials for flexible functional devices. However, the attempts to
obtain LIG onto elastomeric substrates never succeed, hindering its
full exploitation for stretchable electronics. Herein, a novel polymeric
composite is reported as a starting material for the fabrication of
graphene-based electrodes by direct laser writing. A polyimide (PI)
powder is dispersed into the poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) matrix
to achieve an easily processable and functional elastomeric substrate,
allowing the conversion of the polymeric surface into laser-induced
graphene (LIG). The mechanical and electrical properties of the proposed
material can be easily tuned by acting on the polyimide powder concentration.
The reported procedure takes advantage from the simple casting process,
typical of silicone elastomer, allowing to produce electrodes conformable
to any kind of shape and surface as well as complex three-dimensional
structures. Electrochemical capacitors and strain gauges are selected
as flexible prototypes to demonstrate the multifunctional properties
of the obtained LIG on the PDMS/PI composite substrate.
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