The stretchable conductive ink is a functional material which enables the ink film to have better electrical conductivity after stretching and folding. It has broad application prospects in the field of flexible electronic devices. From the perspective of realizing the stretchability and electrical properties of ink films, this paper introduces the most research progress of nanometal-based stretchable conductive inks. The definition and characteristics of flexible electronics are introduced, and several methods for flexible electronic devices are mainly summarized. The mechanism and realization of stretchable conductive inks are reviewed. Then the applications of stretchable conductive inks based on these methods are introduced. Finally, the problems and technical shortcomings of the stretchable conductive ink in the development of flexible electronic devices are analyzed and the prospect of this new functional ink is predicted. The application of this ink can simplify and optimize the production process of stretchable conductor and make important impacts to flexible electronics.

In this research, we developed a mass production method for the preparation of thermosensitive ink composite, followed by deposition of the composite on the flexible substrate via spray coating technology. Firstly, Ag micropattern was designed and deposited on flexible polyimide substrate by high-precision screen printing. The Ag interdigital electrodes with controlled spacing are realized by optimization of the sintering temperature, and the thermosensitive ink composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mixed with graphite powder and graphene was coated on the surface of the electrodes. Effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure and electrical conductivity of Ag electrode is evaluated, and the sensitivity of the flexible temperature sensor in the large dynamic range of 15–40 °C is investigated. Finally, the sensing characteristics, response time, temperature hysteresis and effect of the spontaneous heating are tested, and the experimental results demonstrated a high-performance sensor with a higher sensitivity, a smaller hysteresis, a better linearity and a faster response.

Artificial skin is an important research direction in artificial intelligence and robotics. Response of artificial skin to stimuli in the external environment is multifunctional, including temperature, pressure and so on. In this paper, the integrated film sensor measuring force and temperature can simultaneously sense the external pressure and the temperature stimulation. To build the sensor, the integration of strain and temperature measurement materials is on a PET film. This integrated film sensor then has a good scalability and mechanical performance, and can according to the specific application of environment to carry on various design and application measurement. Thus, such kind of force and temperature integrated thin film sensor can be widely used, especially in artificial skin, intelligent robot, artificial limb, medical examination and so on.