A conductive stretchable PEDOT–elastomer hybrid with versatile processing and properties

Abstract

Herein we describe the use of vapour phase polymerisation (VPP) to form an elastomeric conducting hybrid, via the combination of poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and poly(glycerol sabecate) (PGS). The extent of PGS curing inversely affected the degree of PEDOT penetration in the material. At longer cure times, samples exhibited a negligible strain-resistance relationship. However, by reducing cure times and allowing greater penetration of PEDOT into PGS, more stable properties were observed over repeated deformation. The isolation of the PEDOT towards the surface allowed the use of laser engraving to pattern conducting tracks with ease. Such a benefit points to its potential for uninvolved, rapid manufacture of electrode arrays for biomedical devices or to allow precision cell interaction in tissue engineering.