Liquid-metal/NdFeB/Ni composites for high wettability, patternable, stretchable electronic wire

Abstract

Room-temperature liquid-metal (LM) has high conductivity, which is an ideal material for manufacturing stretchable electronic wires. However, its high surface tension and fluidity make it extremely difficult to adhere to or encapsulate on flexible substrates. This work developed LM/NdFeB/Ni composites for stretchable electronic wires. The composites were composed of Ga68.5In21.5Sn10 (with a melting point at −19 °C) alloys, Nd2Fe14B (5 μm), and Ni (50–500 nm) microparticles. The SEM and EDS results showed the porous structure of the composites. Ni particles were added to improve the magnetic properties of LM/NdFeB composites, as well as the porous structure composed of magnetized NdFeB particles. Thereby the structure exhibited a heightened capacity for LM locking. Test results indicate that the liquid metal wires have good wettability and adhesion on different surfaces and could be manufactured using different patterning methods. Moreover, its anti-extrusion and anti-leakage characteristics were suitable for constructing stretchable circuits in open channels or on flat surfaces. The proposed LM/NdFeB/Ni composites are expected to manufacture low-cost, patternable, and anti-extrusion stretchable electronic wires.