Anti-fatigue and multifunctional core-spun yarns based on carbon nanotube springs

Abstract

Abstract Carbon nanotube (CNT) spring is used as the core to prepare wool-wrapped core-spun yarns. Owing to the excellent elasticity of CNT spring, the wool/CNT yarn exhibits superior anti-fatigue property, as indicated by the remarkably reduced permanent deformation after cyclic tensile tests by comparing to a wool/wool core-spun yarn. The high electrical conductivity of the core spring allows a rapid electro heating and electromagnetic interference shielding of the fabrics, and the outer wool layer well acts as the heat blocking medium to ensure warm keeping. The core-spun yarn is also robust to against water washing, as the interface between the wool layer and CNT spring can be enhanced by the wrapping of wool fibers along the helix direction. This new-type multifunctional core-spun yarn provides exciting possibilities toward functional textiles.