Stretchable metal films

The current growth of the wearable electronics market has inspired the development of soft and stretchable interfacing between electronics and the human body. Stretchable conductors are critical to the evolution of stretchable and wearable electronics. In this topical review, we discuss notable contributions to the field of stretchable metal films. Although the high conductivity of metals is an asset in electronic devices, their mechanical properties are not readily compatible with stretchable devices. We discuss the two main approaches to preserve conductivity during strain: conversion of stretching to bending strain and using topography to control cracking. These approaches lead to two contrasting electrical responses to mechanical deformation, and we discuss the application of these responses in devices as interconnects and sensors.