Synthesis and Characterization of A Flame-Resistant Ion-Conducting Elastomer With Cooperative Hydrogen Bonding and Electrostatic Interaction

Ion-conducting elastomers (ICEs) hold broad application prospects in the field of flexible electronics. A self-adhesive conductive elastomer (abbreviated as PCAPS X ) containing phosphorus and nitrogen elements, with both hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction, has been synthesized via one-pot UV-initiated radical polymerization. Chemical structures were characterized using various techniques. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimeter testing (CCT) demonstrate that this elastomer exhibits excellent flame retardancy. The elastomer, as a consequence of the dual action of hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction, exhibits excellent properties such as outstanding elasticity (> 1550%), high transparency (> 90%), durability, and tear-resistance (breaking strength and toughness up to 1.2 MPa and 9.42 MJ m −3 ). Further, it can interact with various interfaces and adhere firmly to a substrate, maintaining good adhesion reliability. The application of PCAPS X in strain sensors indicates that this elastomer has good cyclic stability and exhibits repeatable and stable resistance change signals in response to the repeated bending motions of a finger, an elbow, or a knee. A simple strategy for the development of flame-retardant ICEs, which can effectively reduce fire hazards and has the potential to be applied in other fire-prone areas, such as wearable devices and flexible sensor devices, has been demonstrated.