Flexible and stretchable electrode based on multiwalled carbon nanotube/deproteinized natural rubber composites

One of stretchable electronic devices is known as the compliant electrode which can retain good electrical conductivity under deformation. Compliant electrodes from MWCNTs and DPNR were prepared by using a UV‐curing process and Triton X‐100 as a dispersing agent. The effect of Triton X‐100/MWCNTs volume ratio was investigated by transmission electron microscopy indicating the highest dispersion was obtained at the volume ratio of 15.6. The mechanical and electrical properties were investigated by a melt rheometer in a tension mode. The 3%v/v MWCNTs composite possessed an excellent mechanical behavior (Young's modulus = 1.27 × 10⁶ Pa) and a high electrical conductivity (1.03 S/cm) relative to previous works. Under the same experimental conditions, a commercial compliant electrode named Danfoss exhibited the Young's modulus and electrical conducivity values of 7.56 × 10⁶ Pa and 2.54 × 10^?2 S/cm, respectively, which were inferior to the 3%v/v MWCNTs/DPNR. Moreover, the composite film still retained good electrical behaviors under 100% strain, high extentional strain rate of 1 s^?1, high flexed angle, and repeated stretching cycles (40% strain, 50 times) due to the intimate compatibility between the MWCNTs and the elastomer matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:1356–1366, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers