Green wearable devices constructed from degradable elastomers are attracting increasing attention due to the potential applications in implantable sensors, epidermal electronics, soft robots, etc. However, degradable devices with integrated characters of soft, sticky, resilient, and durable remains a challenge. In this work, we synthesize a degradable elastomer poly(1,8-octanediol-co-citrate-co-caprolactone), in which uncrosslinked flexible chains are entangled in a loosely crosslinked network. The synergistic effect of covalent crosslinks and entanglements of long polymer chains endows the elastomer with good resilience and low hysteresis, in addition to low modulus and self-adhesion. Epidermal strain sensors and electroluminescent devices based on the POCL elastomer have been reported. The electronics can degrade in a phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution when disposed. The non-degradable materials within the electronics can be collected for recycling. We anticipate that the new degradable material will provide more possibilities for fabricating green wearable devices.

Degradable, soft, and self-adhesive elastomers for green wearable electronics with robust elasticity

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