Robust and Highly Stretchable Ionic Conductive Thermoplastic Elastomers for Wearable Electronics

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, there has been a surge of enthusiasm for flexible ionic conductors suitable for use in human–computer interaction. Complex preparation processes, difficulties to being efficiently molded, and disability in rapid integration are the main challenges faced by flexible ionic conductors in practical application. In this study, a simple, facile, and environmentally friendly approach involving melt transesterification and melt blending has been developed to produce ultrastretchable, highly ionically conductive, and easily processable poly­(butylene succinate)-block-polyethylene glycol/propylene carbonate/sodium thiocyanate (PBS-b-PEG/PC/NaSCN) blend-based ionic conductive thermoplastic elastomers (ICTEs). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the excellent ionic conductivity of the ICTE could be attributed to the synergistic effects of poly­(butylene succinate) (PBS) segments and propylene carbonate (PC) in constructing ionic conductive channels in the ICTE. The ICTE exhibited a tensile strength of 8.3 MPa and an elongation of 1790%, making it suitable for use in wearable devices. Based on its outstanding processability, shape stability at high temperatures, thermal stability during processing, and constant sensing performance, an ICTE-based fabric sensor was successfully fabricated using the melt spinning and weaving technique. This fabric sensor effectively demonstrated its capability to monitor human activities.