Toray Industries has a new stretchable film based on its proprietary polymer Reactis technology, with potential applications that include robotics and biological and industrial sensors.

Tokyo-based Toray said it shipped samples to customers and plans research and development efforts to commercialize the new grade of film.

“Recent years have increased the potential for developing stretchable devices with the elasticity of smartwear, which incorporates built-in biometric sensors that manage health and monitor biometric information during exercise,” Toray said in a news release. “These devices must be able to bend and handle all sorts of complex movements. Circuit boards must accordingly be very flexible and shape recoverable and function consistently after repeated use.”

The Reactis film is heat resistant to 200°C and recovers its shape between -20°C and 80°C, according to the company.

Using the new grade of film with elastic conductive materials can accommodate the expansions, contractions and torsional deformations of circuits and 3D-curved surface, Toray said.