Modeling resistance increase in a composite ink under cyclic loading

Abstract The electrical performance of stretchable electronic inks degrades as they undergo cyclic deformation during use, posing a major challenge to their reliability. experimental characterization ink fatigue behavior can be time-consuming process, and models allowing accurate resistance evolution life estimates are needed. Here, model is proposed for determining the loading screen-printed composite conductive ink. relies on two input specimen-characteristic curves, assumes constant rate normalized increase given strain amplitude, incorporates effects both mean amplitude. predicts test with reasonable accuracy. secondary compared except large amplitudes (>10%) strains (>30%). A trace width effect found 1 mm vs 2 wide specimens. curves trace-width dependent, decrease in N f by factor up narrower width, agreement results. Two different methods investigated generate curves: uninterrupted tests (requiring ∼6–7 tests), single interrupted only one specimen tested at progressively higher amplitude values). results suggest that initial occurs specimens no prior loading. minimum-rate curve therefore recommended more estimates.