The University of Michigan’s Injury Prevention Center has released an exciting new study that examines the safety and efficacy of silicone. This finding has potential for ground-breaking development of flexible electronics. The research was spearheaded by doctoral student Zijing Zhang under the direction of Professor Richard Laine. Together, their discoveries reveal that silicone does, in fact, conduct electricity and can be found in a whopping 26 colors. This unique, combined ability significantly expands possibilities for the creation and improvement of dynamic electronic devices.
Their study, released in the journal Macromolecular Rapid Communications, looks at the potential of silicone as a mobile and efficient semiconductor. Semiconductors typically exist in two main states: the ground state and the conducting state. Silicone is non-conductive in its ground state, meaning it does not allow electricity to pass through it. When agitated, the chains within the silicone copolymer expand to 150 degrees, creating pathways through which electricity can flow. In comparison, in the ground state, the bonds are fixed, with an equilibrium angle of 140 degrees.
Zhang, the study’s lead author, notes that it is critical to control the length of the copolymer chain. Though often overlooked, this factor is foundational in influencing the dispersion and transmission properties that make silicone so special. This electronic degree of freedom enables the tuning of electronic characteristics, allowing engineers to tailor the material for specific applications. Professor Laine, the corresponding author, underlines the significant, real-world application this work could have for next-generation electronic devices.
The colorful quality of silicone adds to its allure, as it provides visual variety without sacrificing form and function. Among various materials silicone emerged as a particularly promising material for flexible electronics based on its remarkable conductivity and colorful visual variety. Traditional rigid components can limit design options, but silicone is inspiring new directions for innovation.
The research team very carefully documented their findings. They first proved that by changing copolymer chain length, one can produce the required electrical and optical properties. The potential to customize these attributes could unlock new wearables, sensors and other electronic applications.
The full study DOI (10.1002/marc.202500081) offers an entry point for anyone looking to learn more about this exciting new material.