Omnidirectional printing of elastic conductors for three-dimensional stretchable electronics

Three-dimensional printing could be used to create complex and multifunctional soft electronic devices. However, solid-state elastic conductors with three-dimensional geometries is challenging because the rheological properties of existing inks typically only allow for layer-wise deposition. Here we show that an emulsion system—consisting a conductive elastomer composite, immiscible solvent emulsifying solvent—can omnidirectional conductors. The viscoelastic composite provide structural integrity printed features—allowing freestanding, filamentary out-of-plane directly written—and pseudo-plastic lubrication behaviours stability prevent nozzle clogging. Printed structures intrinsically stretchable conductor exhibit minimum feature size less than 100 ?m stretchability more 150%. vapourisation dispersed phase in results formation microstructured, surface-localized networks, which improve electrical conductivity. To illustrate capabilities our approach, skin-mountable temperature sensor matrix-type display based on omnidirectionally interconnects. Freestanding, made can using emulsion-based ink has viscoelasticity extruded into supporting its own shape.