(217b) Flex-to-Stretch Electronics

Stretchable electronic devices maintain electrical connections when subjected to stress or strain and are therefore useful for enabling electronics with new mechanical properties. However, these devices often require power or electrical signals from non-stretchable components. Connecting flexible and stretchable substrates is a possible solution that maintains the electrical connection within a medium that can withstand deformation and prolonged use. The ability to create a robust electrical connection between these mechanically disparate components may enable new types of hybrid devices. In this study we present a basic method to fabricate such new hybrid devices, utilizing liquid metals that form fantastic stretchable interconnects because they are both conductive and fluidic. We characterized the mechanical and electrical properties of these hybrid devices. While we focus on silicon elastomers and liquid metals, there are numerous other methods of fabricating stretchable devices that share many properties with the devices in this work.