Self‐Soldering, Stretchable and Self‐Healing Liquid Metal Elastomer Interconnections for Soft Electronics Platforms

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Authors: Su Thiri San, Ahmed Albeltagi, Mikko Nelo, Jari Juuti, Jarkko Tolvanen, Jari Hannu
Cited by: 1
References: 49

Abstract

ABSTRACT Soft electronics systems are increasingly dependent on direct integration of surface mount devices (SMD) to achieve advanced sensing, computing, and communication functions. Yet, a fundamental bottleneck for assembling highly deformable and durable electronics arises from an inability of the current bonding strategies to maintain stable electro‐mechanical interfaces, together with the inherent strain sensitivity of most soft conductors. Here, we introduce the strain‐insensitive, electrically conductive liquid metal elastomer (ECLME) that incorporates pressure‐sensitive adhesion and autonomous self‐healing to enable robust adhesion for soft electronic platforms. Photothermal activation of ECLME results in heterogeneous liquid metal microparticle‐rich pathways that deliver high conductivity (>20 000 S cm −1 under strain) and extreme stretchability (up to 600%) in fully assembled devices. Optimized self‐soldering interconnects that enable stable and reliable contact with SMDs, maintaining electrical performance under substantial deformation ( R/R 0 < 5 up to 400%) while providing strong mechanical adhesion (pull‐out strength ∼200 kPa). The SMD‐integrated interconnects further maintain ultralow resistance fluctuations during repeated stretching, demonstrating reliable cyclic performance. Together, these combined attributes establish ECLME interconnects as a scalable and practical interconnect platform for next‐generation soft electronic systems requiring mechanically resilient, high‐performance package and chip integration.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials Advanced Materials and Mechanics Nanomaterials and Printing Technologies

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Materials Technologies
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
11
Issue
14
Publication date
17 April 2026
Language
EN