Advancing infrared display technology with carbon nanotube-embedded spandex fibers

Abstract

We report on developing a wearable infrared (IR) display based on stretchable conductive fibers fabricated through an expansion–contraction process. The expansion process creates a gap between the strands of spandex fibers. This is achieved by immersing the fibers in a solvent where carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are dispersed, thereby embedding the CNTs. Contraction is achieved through a drying process, which removes the gap between the strands of the spandex fibers. This ensures that the CNTs remain embedded, even after repeated stretching. The CNT-embedded spandex fibers are arranged into a 5 × 7 pixel array. The intensity of the IR rays emitted from the fibers can be controlled by adjusting their temperature, which is achieved by varying the driving voltage. Full-color IR images and displays of letters and numbers are realized through precise control of the IR light intensity. The wearable IR display developed in this study opens up exciting possibilities for integration into advanced systems such as military identification, artificial intelligence robots, autonomous driving, and aerospace industry applications.