Mechanical and electrical evaluation of parylene-$C$ encapsulated carbon nanotube networks on a flexible substrate Available to Purchase

Carbon nanotube networks are an emerging conductive nanomaterial with applications including thin film transistors, interconnects, and sensors. In this letter, we demonstrate the fabrication of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) networks on a flexible polymer substrate and then provide encapsulation utilizing a thin parylene-$C$ layer. The encapsulated SWNT network was subjected to tensile tests while its electrical resistance was monitored. Tests showed a linear-elastic response up to a strain value of 2.8% and nearly linear change in electrical resistance in the 0%–2% strain range. The networks’ electrical resistance was monitored during load-unload tests of up to 100 cycles and was hysteresis-free.