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A Review on Flexible Substrate Materials for Stretchable Electronic Devices

Haowen Wang
Vol.5, No.4, pp.6-18, 2026 DOI: 10.62051/ijmsts.v5n4.02 August 24, 2026
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Abstract: Stretchable electronic devices have exerted an overt impact on developments in wearable electronics, biomedical devices, soft robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT), with flexible substrate materials playing a fundamental role as building blocks. This extensive study provides a detailed comparison and contrast of the properties (mechanical, electrical, environmental) of polymer-based, organic compounds, bio-based materials as well as hybrids as substrates for stretchable electronics. Polymer substrates like polydimethylsiloxone (PDMS) and polyurethane have made it possible to obtain stretchability (150%-200%) along with biocompatibility, crucial for making wearable sensors or implants with sensitivity down to 0.5 kPa⁻¹ Biodegradability within 30 days makes organic substrates such as cellulose and silk part of the sustainable materials that derived functional properties, suitable for disposable biosensors. The graphene /silver nanowires hybrid substrates exhibit relatively low sheet resistance (10 Ω/sq) and high transmittance (89%), which is well suited for stretchable circuits and displays. Scalability is further supported by spin-coating, 3D printing, and roll-to-roll processing techniques but uniformity as well as cost remains into question. Key limitations include mechanical fatigue (typically 10,000 cycles), conductivity decrease under flexion, high processing costs ($50–100/kg for organic substrates) and regulatory challenges in the biomedical field. The review focuses on novel trends such as self-healing polymers which recover up to 90% of mechanical properties and bio-inspired substrates for enhanced biocompatibility. Future work, which targets at low-cost and easy scale-up of nanomaterial synthesis, 4D printing for dynamic structures, and integrating with AI/IoT to realize intelligent devices (50 µW/cm²), is also discussed. This work revisits the studies of substrates, as well as actives and passives in other works to present an all-embracing view regarding the substrate materials, applications, and challenges that subsequently helps in paving the way for sustainable scalability of stretchable electronics.
Keywords: Flexible substrates, Stretchable electronics, Wearable devices, Biomedical implants, Soft robotics, Sustainable materials
APA Citation: Haowen Wang (2026). A Review on Flexible Substrate Materials for Stretchable Electronic Devices. International Journal of Materials Science and Technology Studies, 5(4), 6-18. https://doi.org/10.62051/ijmsts.v5n4.02

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