INS11-1038
Electromechanically Robust Gallium-Based Elastomeric Composites for Soft Machine Engineering
Topic
S11. PMSE–PSK50 Anniversary Symposium: Advancing Polymer Science for a Sustainable and Intelligent Future
When and Where
Sep 29, 2026
17:05 - 17:30
Room 110
Session Chairs
Myungeun SEO
Presenter(s)
Gun-Hee Lee (UNIST)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
The evolution of next-generation soft machine engineering—ranging from skin-conformal electrodes to bioelectronic devices—is predicated on the development of elastomeric conductors that maintain high conductivity under extreme deformation. Gallium-based liquid metals have emerged as a leading material candidate due to their unique fusion of metallic conductivity and fluidic deformability. However, their liquid nature poses significant hurdles regarding mechanical stability and electrical reliability under repetitive strain and wear.
This presentation details novel material design and fabrication strategies to overcome these limitations. Specifically, we introduce electromechanically robust composites that integrate gallium-based particles into elastomeric matrices, achieving a synergy of high conductivity and mechanical durability. We demonstrate the practical utility of these "rubbery conductors" through their integration into wearable electronics and shape-morphing systems. These advancements provide a resilient foundation for the future of adaptive, skin-conformal human-machine interfaces.
This presentation details novel material design and fabrication strategies to overcome these limitations. Specifically, we introduce electromechanically robust composites that integrate gallium-based particles into elastomeric matrices, achieving a synergy of high conductivity and mechanical durability. We demonstrate the practical utility of these "rubbery conductors" through their integration into wearable electronics and shape-morphing systems. These advancements provide a resilient foundation for the future of adaptive, skin-conformal human-machine interfaces.
