Monolithic Stretchable Functional Fibers With Structurally Tunable Percolation Networks for Seamlessly Integrated Wearable Electronics

Fiber‐shaped electronics are essential for unobtrusive wearable monitoring due to their seamless integration into textiles. However, achieving both high sensitivity and stable interconnectivity within a single, monolithic platform remains a significant challenge. Here, we present a facile and novel strategy to fabricate monolithic function‐tunable fibers (FTFs) with spatially controlled electromechanical properties via a vertical encapsulation‐induced densification mechanism. By engineering asymmetric AgNW percolation networks, we precisely tune the gauge factor (GF) within a single 1D architecture, creating highly sensitive strain sensors (SS, GF = 93.2 beyond 50% strain) and strain‐insensitive conductive threads (CT, GF = 6.46). The SS detects deformations as small as 1%, while the CT maintains robust pathways even under 90% strain with an 8.9‐fold reduction in sensitivity compared to the SS. The FTFs (SS‐CT) exhibit exceptional durability, maintaining structural integrity and electrical continuity over 10 000 stretching cycles and 45 washing cycles. The practical utility has been demonstrated through an underwater strain‐responsive light‐emitting diode switch and a waterproof near‐field communication antenna integrated into a junctionless, single‐fiber platform. This monolithic approach eliminates the need for heterogeneous bonding agents, providing a promising pathway for durable, high‐performance, and fiber‐based wearable electronics.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Small Structures
Published
2026-07-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/sstr.70561
Primary Topic
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Monolithic Stretchable Functional Fibers With Structurally Tunable Percolation Networks for Seamlessly Integrated Wearable Electronics

Heesuk Kim, Jeong Gon Son, Byeong-Cheol Kang, Yeonseo Lee
Small Structures
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
article

Monolithic Stretchable Functional Fibers With Structurally Tunable Percolation Networks for Seamlessly Integrated Wearable Electronics

Heesuk Kim, Jeong Gon Son, Byeong-Cheol Kang, Yeonseo Lee
article en

Abstract

Fiber‐shaped electronics are essential for unobtrusive wearable monitoring due to their seamless integration into textiles. However, achieving both high sensitivity and stable interconnectivity within a single, monolithic platform remains a significant challenge. Here, we present a facile and novel strategy to fabricate monolithic function‐tunable fibers (FTFs) with spatially controlled electromechanical properties via a vertical encapsulation‐induced densification mechanism. By engineering asymmetric AgNW percolation networks, we precisely tune the gauge factor (GF) within a single 1D architecture, creating highly sensitive strain sensors (SS, GF = 93.2 beyond 50% strain) and strain‐insensitive conductive threads (CT, GF = 6.46). The SS detects deformations as small as 1%, while the CT maintains robust pathways even under 90% strain with an 8.9‐fold reduction in sensitivity compared to the SS. The FTFs (SS‐CT) exhibit exceptional durability, maintaining structural integrity and electrical continuity over 10 000 stretching cycles and 45 washing cycles. The practical utility has been demonstrated through an underwater strain‐responsive light‐emitting diode switch and a waterproof near‐field communication antenna integrated into a junctionless, single‐fiber platform. This monolithic approach eliminates the need for heterogeneous bonding agents, providing a promising pathway for durable, high‐performance, and fiber‐based wearable electronics.

Small StructuresVol. 7(8)
Korea University (KR), Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KR), Korea University of Science and Technology (KR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 16%
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.