The electrical, optical, thermal, chemical, mechanical and tribological characteristics of a highly flexible transparent conductive electrode (HFTCE) coating based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and silver nanowires (AgNWs) were investigated under various conditions. The motivation was to develop a highly durable and flexible film for transparent conductive electrode applications. The overall characteristics of multilayers based on rGO, CNTs and AgNWs were found to be much better than those of the single-layer AgNW coating. The rGO and CNT layers served to protect the AgNW layer from damage due to bending and contact sliding motions. The contact pressure and bending stress were effectively distributed by the CNT layer deposited on top of the AgNW layer due to its spring-like behavior. In addition, the shear force from the friction force was reduced by the rGO top layer, which acted as a solid lubricant. Furthermore, the excellent performance of an HFTCE heater based on the rGO/CNT/AgNW coating was demonstrated by the results of a defrosting test.

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a silicone-based elastomeric polymer, is generally cured by applying heat to a mixture of a PDMS base and crosslinking agent, and its material properties differ according to the mixing ratio and heating conditions. In this study, we analyzed the effects of different curing processes on the various properties of PDMS thin films prepared by mixing a PDMS solution comprising a PDMS base and a crosslinking agent in a ratio of 10:1. The PDMS thin films were cured using three heat transfer methods: convection heat transfer using an oven, conduction heat transfer using a hotplate, and conduction heat transfer using an ultrasonic device that generates heat internally from ultrasonic vibrations. The physical, chemical, mechanical, and tribological properties of the PDMS thin films were assessed after curing. The polymer chains in the PDMS thin films varied according to the heat transfer method, which resulted in changes in the mechanical and tribological properties. The ultrasonicated PDMS thin film exhibited the highest crystallinity, and hence, the best mechanical, friction, and wear properties.