Graded Kirigami Composites for Programmed Strain Distributions. Issue 7 (4th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Haque, A B M Tahidul; Hwang, Dohgyu; Bartlett, Michael D.
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials technologies. Volume 7:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-12-04
• Subjects: finite element analysis -- kirigami -- soft‐rigid interface -- strain engineering -- stretchable electronics; Materials science -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Materials science; Technological innovations; Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1002/admt.202101241
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2365-709X

Abstract

Abstract: Stretchable devices and components have emerged as a vital platform for wearable electronics, biomedical sensors, and soft robotics. However, the soft‐rigid interfaces that arise when integrating rigid components with soft and deformable substrates can cause stress concentrations, leading to premature failure of devices at these multi‐material interfaces. Here, a stiffness‐graded kirigami composite is introduced to control strain transitions at soft‐rigid interfaces. The graded composite consists of soft elastomers bonded to rigid kirigami films with defined beam architectures to tune the stiffness gradient along the loading direction. Kirigami geometry is designed by coupling finite element analysis with experimental digital image correlation to achieve diverse strain profiles for flexible interfaces. Furthermore, an inverse design method is utilized to determine kirigami patterns to obtain predefined strain fields. These stiffness‐graded kirigami composites create opportunities for more robust soft‐rigid interfaces and defect‐tolerant stretchable devices and robots. Abstract : Stretchable electronics and soft robotics require integration of rigid components into soft substrates. However, this compliance mismatch creates soft–rigid interfaces that can lead to failure. This article presents a stiffness‐graded kirigami composite to program strain across stretchable films. Through a holistic experimental and computational study, kirigami patterns are designed for smooth and targeted strain profiles through an inverse design methodology.