Large-area, kirigami topology structure-induced highly stretchable and flexible interconnects: Directly printing preparation and mechanic mechanism

Abstract

Integrating the topology design and printing method offers a promising methodology to realize large stretchability for interconnects. Herein, eco-friendly and waterbased Ag nanowires (NWs) inks were formulated and used for screen-printing highly stretchable and flexible interconnects on a large area (more than 335 mm × 175 mm). The stretchability of the interconnects was realized by introducing kirigami topology structures. The topology designed models were established to simulate the influence of kirigami patterns on wire compliance and to estimate the maximum stretchability via finite element analysis (FEA). The mechanic mechanism results demonstrate that an increase of the wave numbers results in larger stretchability, and the rectangular type of wave shows better stretchability than the zigzag and sine structures. Comparatively, the electrical and mechanical properties of the interconnects were measured and analyzed, and the experimental results were consistent with FEA. The electric conductivity of the interconnects is stable at~10,427 S cm −1 even after 1000 cycles of 15.83 mm radius bending, 280% stretching and 200% twisting-stretching deformation, demonstrating outstanding mechanical reliability of the interconnects. The topology designed interconnects have been applied in stretchable flexible light-emitting diode, indicating their broad application prospects in next-generation stretchable electronics.

Structural Innovations in Printed, Flexible, and Stretchable Electronics

“…Some of the freestanding structure utilizes the “kirigami method” that involves printing the stretchable inks onto a stretchable substrate followed by cutting out the tortuous patterns along with the substrate and transfer it to a secondary stretchable substrate, with the selected location of the pattern adhered to the second substrate using tape or adhesive, as shown in Figure 3L. [ 28,90 ] The cut‐and‐paste method, similar to transfer printing, allows the tortuous shape to buckle out‐of‐plane during stretching, but does not truly remove the printed ink from the primary substrate. The device is thus able to demonstrate outstanding mechanical behavior, enduring strain up to 500% (Figure 3M) while maintaining good conductivity.…”

Material Design and Fabrication Strategies for Stretchable Metallic Nanocomposites

“…[93][94][95] Various research efforts have been made to develop such a microscale morphology that efficiently accommodates the strains applied to the percolation network and preserves the stable conducting pathways. [96][97][98] Various methods to control morphology inside the nanocomposite, such as the phase-separation process, the LBL process, and the electrospinning method, have been developed. In this chapter we will describe such efforts to control the microscale nanocomposite morphology.…”

“…And the microscale morphology inside the nanocomposite has a great influence on the percolation network of the nanocomposite under external strains . Various research efforts have been made to develop such a microscale morphology that efficiently accommodates the strains applied to the percolation network and preserves the stable conducting pathways . Various methods to control morphology inside the nanocomposite, such as the phase‐separation process, the LBL process, and the electrospinning method, have been developed.…”

77‐1: Design of Stretchable AMOLED Display with Transitional Area

“…During Display Week in 2017, Samsung demonstrated a 9.1 inch active matrix OLED display, which won the Best in Show award from the Society for Information [6]. A 5% stretch ratio was got through the so-called kirigami-based stretchable technology [7,8], this researches give hope for the future application of true stretchable display and inspire more and more researchers to study stretchable display. However, stretchable display still have several problems in the future application.…”