Stretchable Silver Nanoparticle Conductive Film for Wearables
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices made from rigid materials are not stretchable and cannot be used on curved surfaces or in contact with the human body, and silver nanoparticle-based conductors require high annealing temperatures that damage low-cost plastic substrates like PET and PEN.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable conductive film is created using annealed silver nanoparticles deposited from a liquid composition containing decalin solvent, which maintains conductivity even when stretched beyond its initial shape, allowing for use on flexible substrates without damaging them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional rigid materials are used to make electronic devices, then manufacturing precision and structural stability are improved, but stretchability and adaptability to curved surfaces deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin film structures for conductive elements that can be stretched and deformed without breaking. The conductive film is designed as a thin layer that can conform to curved surfaces and withstand stretching, directly addressing the need for flexibility while maintaining conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures combining conductive polymers or nanoparticle-based materials with flexible substrate materials. This creates a composite conductive film that integrates both electrical conductivity and mechanical flexibility, allowing the material to be both conductive and stretchable.
2Stability of the object's composition
If large molecular weight stabilizers are used with silver nanoparticles, then solubility and stability in solution are improved, but annealing temperature increases above 200°C which damages plastic substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the large molecular weight stabilizers from the silver nanoparticle system. By using stabilizer-free or low-stabilizer silver nanoparticle inks, the patent eliminates the need for high annealing temperatures, allowing processing below 200°C that is compatible with plastic substrates like PET and PEN.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs low-cost, easily removable stabilizing mechanisms that do not require high-temperature processing. The stabilizing function is achieved through methods that allow low-temperature annealing, effectively using temporary or easily removed stabilizing approaches rather than permanent high-temperature stable structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If silver nanoparticle-based inks are used for conductors, then cost and environmental stability are improved compared to gold, but high annealing temperatures are required that are incompatible with low-cost plastic substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for high-temperature annealing by eliminating large molecular weight stabilizers from the silver nanoparticle formulation. This enables processing at temperatures below 200°C, making silver nanoparticle inks compatible with low-cost plastic substrates like PET and PEN that cannot withstand high temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter of annealing temperature from above 200°C to below 200°C by modifying the nanoparticle ink formulation. This parameter change enables the use of silver nanoparticles on temperature-sensitive plastic substrates while maintaining cost effectiveness and electrical conductivity.
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 film achieves a higher conductivity when stretched, ensuring durability and flexibility while avoiding damage to low-cost plastic substrates, making it suitable for wearable electronics and curved surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The stretchable, conductive film includes a plurality of annealed silver nanoparticles disposed on the substrate
Implementation Method 2
the film can comprise a second conductivity upon being stretched in at least one direction beyond the as-annealed shape
Data Source
AI summary
An article of manufacture includes a substrate and a stretchable, conductive film. The stretchable, conductive film includes a plurality of annealed silver nanoparticles disposed on the substrate. The conductive film can be formed from a liquid composition comprising silver nanoparticles in a decalin solvent. The conductive film can further include a first conductivity associated with an as-annealed shape of the conductive film, and the film can include a second conductivity upon being stretched in at least one direction beyond the as-annealed shape.