Abstract
Electrically conductive fabrics are achieved by functionalizing with treatments such as graphene; however, these change conventional fabric properties and the treatments are typically not durable. Encapsulation may provide a solution for this, and the present work aims to address these challenges. Next-to-skin wool and cotton knit fabrics functionalized using graphene ink were encapsulated with three poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based products. Properties known to be critical in a next-to-skin application were investigated (fabric structure, moisture transfer, electrical conductivity, exposure to transient ambient conditions, wash, abrasion, and storage). Wool and cotton fabrics performed similarly. Electrical conductivity was conferred with the graphene treatment but decreased with encapsulation. Wetting and high humidity/low temperature resulted in an increase in electrical conductivity, while decreases in electrical conductivity were evident with wash, abrasion, and storage. Each encapsulant mitigated effects of exposures but these effects differed slightly. Moisture transfer changed with graphene and encapsulants. As key performance properties of the wool and cotton fabrics following treatment with graphene and an encapsulant differed from their initial state, use as a patch integrated as part of an upper body apparel item would be acceptable.
Highlights
Sensors produced from fabrics functionalized with electrical conductivity which respond when exposed to selected agents are of increasing interest
Functionalization had an effect on mass and thickness of the wool (F5,24 = 566.07, p ≤ 0.01; F5,24 = 29.60, p ≤ 0.01, respectively) and cotton (F5,24 = 490.72, p ≤ 0.01; F5,24 = 21.74, p ≤ 0.01, respectively)
A small increase in mass and thickness was evident with encap 0 (20 and −1% for wool, 26 and −7% for cotton, respectively) and when measured sequentially
Summary
Sensors produced from fabrics functionalized with electrical conductivity which respond when exposed to selected agents are of increasing interest. Apparel fabrics are typically exposed to varied transient conditions of the environment (temperature, humidity, abrasion) and for care (i.e., cleaning, storing) that may negatively affect and/or interfere with sensor performance: This was highlighted in a 2019 review [1]. Encapsulation can offer some protection to these functionalized fabrics whether they be self-contained devices, embroidered or woven/knit wires, or electrically conductive polymer/carbon treatments. Where the intended end application of these fabrics is apparel, many performance properties in addition to electrical conductivity need to be maintained or improved in order to be successful
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