Modular and Reconfigurable Stretchable Electronic Systems

Abstract

Electronics offering modularity in design and function, i.e., modular electronics have enabled a wide gamut of applications, such as promotion of creativity, self-assembling robots, and customizable consumer electronics. In particular, there is recently a fertile application domain within the rapidly growing needs in wearable technologies. Toward this application, it is proposed that stretchable, self-healable, and mechanically tough materials will enable a highly desirable reconfigurable multifunctional and modular platform for wearable electronics. Here, the novel applications of tough self-healing elastomer are reported to realize skin-like modular electronics system,, i.e., stretchable, tough, self-healable, and reconfigurable, in which multiple electronic components are electrically interconnected and can effectively communicate with each other digitally. The fabricated self-healing conductive lines can also allow for components that can be readily cut, reconfigured, and reconnected by the user.