Influence of silica on electrical conduction and mechanical behaviors of stretchable nanocomposite conductor based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) filled natural rubber

Stretchable conductors based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) nanoparticles filled natural rubber (NR) can adapt electronic devices with drawback of deformation induced deterioration in electrical properties. Herein silica is used as a secondary filler in PEDOT:PSS/NR nanocomposites films. Silica nanoparticles could immobilize some NR chains to form glassy layers and cooperate with PEDOT:PSS to protect the conductive pathways from great breakdown during deformation. It can not only improve the stability of electrical properties but also lowers the change of Seebeck coefficient after the nanocomposites being deformed to strain as large as 80%, providing a simple strategy for preparing stretchable conductors with improved stability during and after mechanical action.