Electrical Conductivity Variations of Stretchable Printed Wires Examined from Hierarchic Deformation Behavior

This paper discusses the deformation behavior of stretchable wires printed on an elastomer-based substrate that induces electrical conductivity variations during a cyclic tensile test. The wires exhibit macroscopic localized deformation regions depending on the stiffness mismatch between the wire and the substrate. The microscopic deformation behavior caused by the viscoelasticity of the polyurethane-based binder in the deformation regions determines the electrical conductivity variations during the test. Controlling the binder chemistry is a critical issue in stabilizing the electrical conductivity of the wires.