DuPont MCM Introduces Stretchable Inks for Wearable Electronics

DuPont Microcircuit Materials has introduced a suite of stretchable electronic ink materials for use in smart clothing applications and other wearable electronics. The materials provide a manufacturing-ready alternative to many traditional methods of embedding electronics in clothing. The DuPont materials have been used to create thin, form-fitting circuits that can be seamlessly bonded with many standard fabrics, allowing for comfort and freedom in wearable electronic design.   “We believe that this new line of DuPont stretchable electronic inks can be used in wearable electronics applications to make clothing more capable and comfortable,” said Michael Burrows, segment manager, DuPont Microcircuit Materials.   DuPont stretchable electronic inks deliver stable performance despite repeated elongation. A third-party evaluation of fabrics that incorporate these DuPont materials to create thin electronic circuits have shown them to be washable, durable, and capable of withstanding up to 100 wash cycles.   DuPont plans to offer a full material suite of conductors, encapsulants and sensors for use in wearable electronics applications, including:   • DuPont PE872 stretchable conductor, which is washable with encapsulation. • DuPont PE772 stretchable, washable dielectric encapsulant.