Aligned Carbon Nanotube−Polymer Hybrid Architectures for Diverse Flexible Electronic Applications

Abstract

We present the fabrication and electrical characterization of a flexible hybrid composite structure using aligned multiwall carbon nanotube arrays in a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) matrix. Using lithographically patterned nanotube arrays, one can make these structures at any length scale from submicrometer levels to bulk quantities. The PDMS matrix undergoes excellent conformal filling within the dense nanotube network, giving rise to extremely flexible conducting structures with unique electromechanical properties. We demonstrate its robustness against high stress conditions, under which the composite is found to retain its conducting nature. We also demonstrate that these structures can be utilized directly as flexible field-emission devices. Our devices show some of the best field-enhancement factors and turn-on electric fields reported so far.

Highly conductive and stretchable conductors fabricated from bacterial cellulose

“…Another method is to embed or bond rigid and active electronic components into a soft rubbery polymer. 2,10,[17][18][19][20] For example, Shin et al 17 fabricated elastomeric conductive composites by the infiltration of multiwalled carbon nanotube forests with a polyurethane binder. Someya's group developed highly conductive, printable and stretchable composite films using ionic liquid, fluorinated copolymer and ultralong single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs).…”

Electrical transport measurements of highly conductive carbon nanotube/poly(bisphenol A carbonate) composite

“…However due to device miniaturization and light weight material needs, all forms of electronics, optoelectronics, and avionics require that these materials now possess multifunctional properties. [1][2][3][4][5] The issue is to transform the polymers by making use of their physical properties and combining them with additives that serve other uses simultaneously. We know from Heeger's initial work on chemical doping of polyacetylene, certain conjugated polymers can change their electronic nature by chemical treatment.…”

Fabrication of microfluidic devices using polydimethylsiloxane

“…19͒ or offer novel features not possible with standard PDMS. 20 Upon mixing, the PDMS must be degassed in a vacuum chamber for best results, and an Erlenmeyer flask or large beaker with cover is recommended to avoid a mess from the typically violent boiling off of the gas from the PDMS. The PDMS may be worked with for around 2 h after mixing, although its viscosity will gradually increase over this time.…”