A simple strategy for high stretchable, flexible and conductive polymer films based on PEDOT:PSS-PDMS blends

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are typical conductive polymers and transparent elastomers, respectively, which are widely used in the field of stretchable electronics. This paper described a simple, cost-effective route for the preparation of PEDOT:PSS-PDMS conductive polymer films through direct manufacturing after miscibility. The surfactant, P-t octylophenol (Triton X-100), significantly improved the miscibility of PEDOT:PSS and PDMS. The tensile modulus, elongation at break, sheet resistance, normalized resistance and surface morphology, internal PEDOT:PSS conformation and long-term stability of the films (nine samples total) prepared by polymer blends were studied by varying the concentration groups of ethylene glycol (EG) and Triton X-100 in the mixture. By adjustment, the conductive polymer films exhibit a sheet resistance of 20 Ω sq−1 and an elongation at break of about 82%, and have excellent piezoresistive effects and long-term stability. Moreover, we also demonstrated the feasibility of stretchable conductors by fabrication of stretchable LED circuits. On account of the excellent stretchability and conductivity, together with the facile fabrication process, we believe that our novel strategy could be directly integrated to high performance stretchable electronics.