Fabrication of imine‐assisted self‐healing APDMS/AMWCNT elastomer and the application in flexible circuits

Abstract In this work, a self‐healing elastomer involving reversible imine bonds was synthesized by Schiff base reaction between the amino groups in amino‐modified polydimethylsiloxane (APDMS) and the aldehyde groups in 1,4‐diformylbenzene (DFB). The incorporation of amino‐modified multi‐walled carbon nanotube (AMWCNT) allowed for good dispersion of AMWCNT with few aggregates and effectively balanced the mechanical properties and self‐healing performance, achieving a mechanical strength of 132.3 kPa and a self‐healing efficiency (HE) of 99.87% at room temperature after 24 h. The reversible imine bond based on the Schiff base linkage promotes quick self‐healing upon damage without any external stimulus at room temperature. Through electroless deposition, copper and nickel patterns were formed on the surface of the elastomer, establishing conductive pathways. The average resistivity of the copper trace was 5.40 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m (3.63 × 10⁻⁷ Ω·m for nickel trace), which is 3.18 times that of regular copper wire (5.19 times for regular nickel wire). Upon cleavage and self‐healing of the elastomer with copper lines, with the resistivity increment by 14.43% in average (11.01% for nickel wire). This work offers an alternative pathway to the development of self‐healable silicone elastomers for future flexible electronics. Highlights Elastomer with balanced mechanical properties and self‐healing performance. Recyclable elastomer through hot‐press treatment. Copper patterns were electroless‐deposited on the elastomer. Damaged pattern restored conductivity within 24 h at room temperature.