Dynamic Adaptive Cross-linked Elastomers with Highly Robust, Recyclable, and Conductive Abilities toward Strain Sensors and Self-Sensing Actuators
Haowen Yang, Shiqiang Song, Xu Yang, Fan Fei, Cheng Zhang, Zhenlin Jiang, Yong Zhang
Abstract
Integration of sensing and actuation capabilities into flexible electronics is critical to expanding their applications. Existing stimuli-responsive polymers fail to achieve satisfactory requirements, considering their strength–toughness trade-off, conductivity, and recyclability. Here, a novel stimuli-responsive elastomer is reported by molecular design, thus simultaneously enabling the effective unification of sensing and actuation functions. The stimuli-responsive elastomer realizes high strength (32 MPa), high stretchability (527%), high toughness (74.8 MJ·m –3 ), high fracture energy (75,300 J·m –2 ), efficient recyclability processability, puncture-resistance, and high conductivity (120.1 S·m –1 ) where the conductive elastomer is created by incorporating both dynamic covalent bonds (strong bonds)/coordination bonds (weak bonds) for the formation of dynamic adaptive networks and coated conductive ink. In parallel, benefiting from the sensing actuation mechanism from its architecture, the elastomer-enabled sensor and actuator achieve both exceptional sensing performance as a green strain sensor for monitoring body movements and excellent actuation ability as a green self-sensing actuator for load-carrying. Overall, this comprehensive elastomer brings new inspiration and insights into the design of next-generation green e-skin, flexible robots, and other stimuli-responsive materials.