Common Polymer Forms Basis for Self-Healing, Flexible Conductor
RIKEN researchers have developed a self-healing polymer based on modified polyolefins that serves as a flexible and durable electrical conductor. This polymer incorporates sulfur-containing thioether groups, enabling strong adhesion with gold nanoparticles for conductivity and excellent self-repair after damage. The material promises improved durability and flexibility for wearable electronics and robotics.
Traditional electrical conductors are often brittle and lack flexibility, limiting their use in devices like wearable electronics and robots that undergo repeated bending. To address this, the RIKEN team chemically modified common polyolefins—widely produced polymers known for robustness and low cost—by incorporating sulfur-based thioether groups using a novel catalyst. This modification imparts self-healing properties to the polymer, allowing it to autonomously repair mechanical damage, thereby enhancing device longevity and reliability. The sulfur in the polymer forms strong bonds with gold nanoparticles or nanosheets deposited on its surface, creating a robust conductive layer resistant to mechanical stress, as demonstrated by successful endurance of over 50 tape-peeling cycles. This catalyst-controlled copolymerization strategy enables precise tuning of polymer properties and opens avenues for creating a new family of multifunctional, self-healing polymers. These advances could lead to durable, flexible conductors essential for next-generation wearable tech and soft robotics, providing sustained electrical performance despite repeated deformation and damage.
