Tailoring dual cross-linked polymer-ionic liquid composites by blending co-crystallizable polymers for stretchable electronics

Abstract

Facile adjustment of the behavior of dual cross-linked polymer-ionic liquid composites (PICs) for stretchable electronics was achieved via solution blending of two copolymers having the same monomer pairs. Two poly(docosyl acrylate-r-tert-butyl acrylate) (poly(A22-r-tBA)) copolymers with different molar ratios were synthesized and solution-cast with ionic liquids (ILs) to fabricate ternary PICs. The phase behavior and the thermal and structural properties of the composites were investigated by varying the mixing ratio, providing insights into the cross-linking mechanisms. The observed changes enabled systematic modulation of the stretchability, thermal stability, and self-healing capability of PICs, which are crucial attributes of wearable devices. Mechanically tough and conductive PICs were utilized in fabricating strain sensors capable of detecting human motion.