Hybrid-Filler Stretchable Conductive Composites: From Fabrication to Application

Stretchable conductive composites (SCCs) are generally elastomer matrices filled with conductive fillers. They combine the conductivity of metals and carbon materials with the flexibility of polymers, which are attractive properties for applications such as stretchable electronics, wearable devices, and flexible sensors. Most conventional conductive composites that are filled with only one type of conductive filler face issues in mechanical and electrical properties. Recently, some studies introduced secondary fillers to create hybrid-filler SCCs to solve these problems. The secondary fillers produce a synergistic effect with the primary fillers to enhance the electrical conductivity of the composites. They also improve the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties or impart composites with special functions like catalysis and self-healing. Herein, the fabrication methods, stretchability enhancement strategies, and piezoresistivity of SCCs are analyzed, and their latest applications in stretchable electronics are introduced. Finally, the challenges and prospects of their development are discussed.

Automated summary

Stretchable conductive composites (SCCs) are elastomer matrices filled with conductive fillers, combining the conductivity of metals and carbon materials with the flexibility of polymers. Introducing secondary fillers can enhance the electrical conductivity of the composites, improve thermal conductivity and mechanical properties.