Abstract
Recent environmental issues have increased the necessity for polymers to have a reduced environmental footprint, potentially through means such as utilising bio-based monomers or providing the polymer with a self-healing ability. Circuits with the ability to undergo stretching have been a recent subject of investigation due to the significant growth in the field of wearable technology or strain sensors. In this thesis, novel bio-based self-healing thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) were synthesised, characterised, and optimised. The development of an environmentally friendly water-based conductive ink was investigated. The use of both in manufacturing stretchable conductors and strain sensors for wearable technology was evaluated. Overall, the novel bio-based self-healing TPUs and water-based silver inks developed in this thesis exhibit high potential for use in the field of stretchable conductors, strain sensors, wearable technology and elastic fibres (textiles) at a much lower environmental footprint, through a prolonged lifespan and green monomers, versus existing materials. This work also offers materials and processing methods for future sustainable development of other smart devices and technologies.Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2027.
| Date of Award | Dec 2024 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Sponsors | Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council |
| Supervisor | Biqiong Chen (Supervisor) & Oana Istrate (Supervisor) |
Keywords
- polyurethane
- disulphide
- self-healing
- stretchable conductors