| 초록 |
Thermal therapy is one of the general physiotherapies, and it is especially useful for treating injuries in joints. Conventional thermal therapy devices, for example, heat packs or wraps, have often caused discomfort due to their rigidity and heavy weight. In our study, we developed a soft, thin, stretchable and wearable heater by using a nanocomposite of ligand-exchanged silver nanowires (Ag NWs) and a thermoplastic elastomer. The ligand-exchange reaction enabled the formation of a highly conductive and homogeneous Ag NWs percolation network in the elastomer. By patterning the nanocomposite with serpentine-mesh structures, conformal lamination of devices on curvilinear joints and effective heat transfer even during motion was achieved. The combination of homogeneous conductive elastomer, stretchable design, and a custom-designed electronic band created a novel wearable system for long-term, continuous articular thermotherapy. |
