On Economically Viable Stretchable Washable Electronics Technology: Proof of Concept

Commercial consumer electronic devices / systems are based on rigid substrates. However, for human-related applications, curvilinear electronics is preferred. Curvilinear electronics includes flexible, stretchable and even washable electronics. For instance, smart clothing that is used in biometry applications require conformability and washability. Stretchable circuit board (SCB) technology, stretchable mold interconnect (SMI) and more specifically, polymer-based electronic systems seem to be the investigated solutions in the literature. We have developed a relatively straightforward fabrication technology for stretchable and washable electronic systems. Stretchable 250 μm wide copper tracks connect the multiple flexible electrical circuitry modules. The whole electronic circuitry is embedded in an elastomer. The complete system features 25% elongation and washing capability. In this work, double-sided flex (Cu-PI-Cu) substrate is used which is commercially available and relatively inexpensive as well. This work can be used to make flexible, stretchable and washable electronic systems for biomedical applications in particular.