Stretchable conductive elastomer composites based on a processing of Ag plus swelling, in situ reduction, and drying shrinkage

We present a simple preparation method for the stretchable conductive nanocomposites which can still maintain the activity and electrical stability under the condition of large-scale mechanical processing. The preparation scheme takes advantage of the swelling mechanism of the polymer and introduces the precursor silver ions into it. A reducing agent is then incorporated into the polymer matrix, and the silver ions in the polymer matrix are reduced in situ to form silver nanoparticles. Drying the solvent inside of the polymer causes the polymer to spontaneously shrink, resulting in the tight accumulation of silver nanoparticles. Subsequent experimental tests show that the prepared composite material stretched to its original swelling state still retains its high conductivity. When the content of silver reaches the saturation value, its maximum conductivity is 2500 S/cm, and its high conductivity at 80% deformation is retained. The composite material also shows certain fatigue resistance.