Electrically conductive PDMS/Clay nanocomposites assembled with graphene, copper and silver nanoparticles for flexible electronic applications

We describe the development and characterization of a stretchy and resilient micro-strip antenna made from a nanocomposite of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and bentonite clay loaded with silver, copper, and graphene nanoparticles. The physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of the nanocomposite were extensively evaluated in relation to the different nanomaterial loading into the PDMS. This has included UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and other techniques in addition to tensile and flexural tests, rheological analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, dynamic viscosity study, and ion coupled plasma. The conductivity of the fabricated micro-strip antennas was assessed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and the antenna pattern was suitable for usage in RF equipment for cutting-edge applications like military, sensing, and space.