Tough, self-healing and sensitive elastomer composites with efficient electromagnetic interference shielding for skin temperature detection

Abstract

Tough, self-healing, and highly sensitive elastomer composites with exceptional electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performances have been developed to equip intelligent robots for mimicking human-like temperature-responsive capabilities. However, realizing such a combination of properties remains challenging because the existing composites provide only moderate temperature responsiveness and EMI shielding performances, often at the expense of toughness and the self-healing capability. Herein, we present a novel elastomer composite featuring a segregated carbon nanotube (CNT) network that is cross-linked via dynamic imine bonds. This segregated CNT network was constructed through the synergistic combination of the volume exclusion effect from PDMS latex microspheres and electrostatic attraction between the microspheres and CNTs. The resulting elastomer composites demonstrate outstanding electrical conductivity (0.8 S cm⁻¹), enhanced thermal conductivity (1.2 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹) and good toughness (3.1 MJ m⁻³), achieving a temperature coefficient of resistance up to −2.4% °C⁻¹. The synergistic effects of conductive loss within the CNT-enriched continuous phases and the internal multiple reflections and scattering at numerous heterogeneous interfaces have resulted in excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (49.6 dB at 10 GHz). Dynamic imine bonds enable efficient self-healing, allowing the recovery of 87% of mechanical properties and rapid restoration of electrical conductivity. Coupled with demonstrated biocompatibility, these properties make the elastomer composites ideal for intelligent material systems demanding artificial tactile perception.