Highly stretchable conductors from bio-based self-healing thermoplastic polyurethanes and conductive nanoparticles

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.