Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

New techniques and methodologies are constantly being developed to surpass the current performance limits ofx000D
silicon-based electronics. This has led to the rise of a new era in modern electronics based on materials whosex000D
precise behaviour can be tailored directly through their chemical structure. By pushing the limits of bothx000D
chemical engineering and synthetic chemistry, solution-processed materials with excellent electronic propertiesx000D
have been obtained. However, devices built from these materials suffer from low mechanical stress tolerance,x000D
limiting their potential for next generation wearable electronics and sensors, which will require enhancedx000D
mechanical flexibilityx000D
Through their R&D activities, the partner company developed new polyethylene-based materials (PE)x000D
possessing many interesting properties, including low-viscosity and boiling point, and low glass transitionx000D
temperature (Tg), which are particularly attractive for stretchable electronics. In order to move forward with thex000D
development of electronic devices incorporating these new materials, a precise and accurate characterization ofx000D
the mechanical properties of the materials is required. Moreover, the compatibility between the materials andx000D
other devices' components (electrodes, semiconductor, etc.) is important to assess.x000D
The objective of this collaborative research project is to investigate and test the mechanical properties of newx000D
polyethylene-based materials, recently developed by the partner company, through various characterizationx000D
techniques and test their compatibility with semiconducting polymers and other stretchable electronicx000D
components. This will be accomplished through several surface and instrumental characterizations, includingx000D
atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The expertise developed by the Rondeau-Gagnéx000D
group will allow for a complete investigation of the mechanical properties of the new materials developed byx000D
the partner company. Furthermore, the completion of the research objectives will bring new opportunities forx000D
the company, especially through the valorization of a promising product.