The rise of rubber-like synthetic polymers in next-gen transistor technologies

Integrating rubber-like synthetic polymers into next-generation transistor technologies offers a transformative approach to advancing wearable electronics, positioning these elastomers as ideal substrates and essential companions to conjugated polymers and other active materials. From six distinct types of rubber-like synthetic polymers, this review spotlights polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) as the leading elastomeric polymers propelling wearable transistor innovations. PDMS is highly favored for its exceptional mechanical flexibility, high electrical resistivity, optical transparency, biocompatibility, and compatibility with soft lithography techniques, making it an ideal substrate for skin-like electronics. SEBS stands out as an elastomeric substrate for soft sensor integration due to its unique ability to form nanoconfined and phase-separated layers with semiconducting polymers that maintain high charge mobility under mechanical strain, while its tissue-like softness and mechanical compliance ensure comfort, durability, and suitability for advanced large-area flexible electronics. A comprehensive overview of recent progress in incorporating these elastomers is discussed, ranging from individual layers to fully integrated components into transistor devices. By bridging polymer chemistry with device engineering, it outlines a strategic research roadmap for developing tunable multifunctional rubber-like synthetic polymers to meet the complex performance requirements of emerging wearable transistor technologies. Finally, key technical challenges are identified alongside potential future research directions to support the development of next-generation wearable transistor applications.