Stretchable PDMS-Based Dielectrics with Tailored Electromagnetic Properties for Flexible Antenna Technologies

Stretchable and flexible dielectric materials are attracting increasing attention for emerging radio-frequency technologies, including flexible antennas, wearable electronics, and soft robotic systems [1,2]. These applications require materials that combine high mechanical compliance with well-defined dielectric properties, such as moderate permittivity and low dielectric loss [1,3]. Although many polymeric systems exhibit excellent flexibility and stretchability, systematic investigations of their dielectric behaviour in the GHz range remain limited [1,3]. Moreover, strategies to tailor electromagnetic properties while preserving mechanical performance are still progressing [2]. Addressing these challenges is essential for the rational design of next-generation flexible and stretchable electronic devices.

In this work, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based dielectric films were fabricated using a solvent casting process to minimize surface thickness variations. Their electromagnetic properties were tuned via incorporation of various functional fillers. The influence of filler content and distribution on mechanical and dielectric properties in the GHz frequency regime was systematically investigated. The resulting PDMS-based films exhibit a favourable combination of flexibility, stretchability, and dielectric performance, highlighting their potential for conformable electronic applications.

1) Hussain, M. et al. Flexible and Dielectric Materials: Potential and Applications in Antennas and RF Sensors. Adv. Electron. Mater. 2024, 10, 2400240.
2) Li, W. et al. Stretchable Antenna Arrays-Enabled Multi-Target Balloon Wireless Communication System. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2026, 36, e10521.
3) Al-Haddad, M. A. S. M. et al. Flexible Antenna: A Review of Design, Materials, Fabrication, and Applications. J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 2021, 1878, 012068.