High-performance PEDOT-thermoplastic elastomer films for stretchable electronics applications

In the rapidly evolving field of flexible electronics, the development of materials that are simultaneously conductive, stretchable and self-healable is critical for applications such as wearable devices and sensors that operate under dynamic conditions. However, achieving these properties while maintaining reliable electrical performance under mechanical stress remains a significant challenge. This study presents the synthesis and characterization of stretchable and conductive composite films based on a graft copolymer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and sulfonated polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-blockpolystyrene (S-SEBS). By grafting poly(acrylate-urethane) (PAU) chains onto a PEDOT derivative in the composite with S-SEBS, we achieved a stretchable conducting composite with self-healing capabilities. Mechanical tests and self-healing experiments confirmed the robustness and durability of these composites. The grafted films exhibited a conductivity of 2.88 ± 0.27 S cm⁻¹ , maintaining sufficient electrical performance for practical applications despite the presence of insulating PAU and S-SEBS. The sensing functionality of the fabricated films was demonstrated in recording electromyographic (EMG) signals. Self-healing PEDOT-g-PAU:S-SEBS composites represent a significant advance in stretchable electronics applications as they combine mechanical flexibility and electrical functionality.