Stretchable conductive elastomer composites based on a processing of Ag+ 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 .