Stretching of solution processed carbon nanotube and graphene nanocomposite films on rubber substrates

• Solution processable carbon nanotube and graphene based composite electrodes.
• Stretchable nanocarbon electrodes on different rubber substrates.
• Electrical measurements and simultaneous mechanical stretching.
• Strain sensors or stretchable electrodes for instance in automotive applications.

The fabrication and characterization of stretchable carbon nanotube and graphene nanocomposite electrodes on different rubber substrates is reported. Electrodes are fabricated at low temperatures using solution processable carbon nanomaterials. Rubber substrates are stretched while performing simultaneous electrical measurements for the electrodes. During 20% elongation of rubber substrates a 2- to 120-fold increase in the electrode resistance was observed, depending on the sample. The relative increase in the resistance with stretching was smaller in the case of graphene electrodes, whereas the resistance change during the elastomer relaxation was smaller in the case of carbon nanotube electrodes. Our results suggest that solution processed carbon nanomaterials on rubber substrates have potential for stretchable wiring and sensor applications.

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