Liquid Metal Particle Network for Stretchable Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stretchable conductors face challenges with abrupt resistance increases when stretched due to broken electron pathways, and liquid metal-polymer composites suffer from weak mechanical properties and poor adhesive properties.
Innovation Solution
A liquid metal particle-assembled network is synthesized in various polymers, comprising a polymer matrix, first liquid metal particles, and second liquid metal particles that connect the first particles within the matrix, utilizing ultrasonic waves to form the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid metal particles are mixed with polymers to form composites, then electrical conductivity can be achieved, but the mechanical properties of the polymer are suddenly deteriorated in the doping process
Solution Approach 1:
The oxide layer on liquid metal particles is removed in advance before mixing with the polymer matrix, preventing subsequent mechanical property deterioration. The liquid metal particles are prepared in a reduced state (using sodium borohydride treatment) before composite formation, so that when the composite is later exposed to air, the oxide layer forms gradually without causing sudden mechanical degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent protects the mechanical properties of the polymer by pre-treating liquid metal particles with sodium borohydride to remove oxide layers before composite formation. This preliminary protection prevents the oxide layer from interfering with the polymer matrix during mixing and processing, cushioning against future mechanical property deterioration.
2Reliability
If the oxide layer of liquid metal particles is doped to form conductive pathways, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but the liquid metal particles repel each other and fail to form continuous conductive networks
Solution Approach 1:
The oxide layer, which causes repulsion between liquid metal particles, is extracted and removed from the particle surfaces using sodium borohydride treatment. This removal eliminates the repulsive force, allowing liquid metal particles to approach each other and form continuous conductive pathways within the polymer matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful oxide layer into a beneficial controlled oxide structure. By removing the oxide layer initially and then allowing controlled oxidation during or after composite formation, the oxide layer becomes a bridge that facilitates conductive pathway formation rather than preventing it.
3Ease of manufacture
If physical force is applied to liquid metal particle-polymer composites to form conductive pathways, then conductivity can be imparted easily, but unwanted parts of the composite may also become conductive when impacted
Solution Approach 1:
Conductive pathways are formed in advance during the composite fabrication process rather than requiring subsequent physical impact. The liquid metal particles are pre-positioned and connected during manufacturing, eliminating the need for post-processing impact steps and preventing unintended conductivity in unwanted areas.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The network achieves high electrical conductivity and maintains electrical properties even when stretched, while also providing improved mechanical properties, overcoming the limitations of traditional stretchable conductors.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing ultrasonic waves to form the network
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments relate to a liquid metal particle-assembled network synthesized in various polymers and a method of manufacturing the same. The liquid metal particle-assembled network is configured to include a polymer matrix, first liquid metal particles spaced apart from each other and disposed within the polymer matrix, and second liquid metal particles that connect the first liquid metal particles between the first liquid metal particles within the polymer matrix. In this case, the size of each of the second liquid metal particles may be smaller than the size of each of the first liquid metal particles.