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Improved Polymer Available for Ultra Comfortable Electronic Tattoo Devices

By Joie M Gahum | Update Date: Feb 28, 2017 07:40 AM EST

A new developed process and material used in ultrathin devices like electronic skin tattoos have been finally developed by researchers. This material, SBS elastomeric film can be produced and used easily compared to polymer nanosheets.

Science Daily reveals that a replacement for nanosheets is now available for electronic tattoo devices. This new material is called SBS elastomeric film. It can be easily produced, highly elastic, and fifty times flexible compared to polymer nanosheets. It can be produced via a household type inkjet printer without sanitary standards to follow.

The material also allows electronic components to be soldered and can help in increasing comfort. This new development is a radical improvement to the barriers that the electronic tattoo industry experienced for manufacturing its materials.

Earlier this year MIT introduced DuoSkin. It is a fabrication process that allows customized and functional devices to be attached directly to the skin. It utilized a gold metal lead, skin-friendly and robust material that can be used for everyday wear. Such devices are aesthetically designed to look like metallic-jewelry temporary tattoos on the skin. They can be programmed to control mobile devices,

Meanwhile, the new electronic tattoo material was developed at the Waseda University. They have developed processes and materials that were initially a barrier in the manufacturing of such wearable technologies.

Inkjet printing of the circuitry of these electronic tattoos allows low-temperature fixing making the production of such electronic devices durable and functional at the same time. They are also created to be extremely thin and flexible enough for the skin to feel comfortable while in use.

Handling and production of these electronic films that are only 750nm help in changing the nature of wearable technology and electronics from objects like wristwatches to less noticeable items like a band-aid, or an electronic tattoo.

Further applications for other human products like sensors, tools in the field of medicines, healthcare and sports training are being investigated at the Waseda University Institute of Advanced Active Aging Research.

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