Enhanced side illumination property of end emitting polymer optical fiber (EEPOF)/polyester (PET) woven fabrics by acetone/methanol mixture etching process

Abstract

The rapid development of fiber optic technology has enriched smart wearable technology. Standard (end emitting) polymer optical fibers (EEPOF) are linear and flexible, which is feasible to integrated them into textiles and applied to curved parts of the human body for achieving individualized functionality (e.g., safety light-emitting garments, wearable photo-therapeutic textiles, fashionable displays, smart sensing apparel for monitoring etc.). However, the luminance of the EEPOF-incorporated fabric should be improved. In this work, the EEPOF/polyester (PET) woven fabrics (POF-PET-Fs) were firstly prepared and then etched by using acetone/methanol mixtures with different acetone concentrations. The morphology, breathability, and side illumination behavior of the etched POF-PET-Fs were investigated. As a result, higher acetone concentration in acetone/methanol mixture causes more destroy of EEPOF cladding layer and even a slight damage for core material. With higher acetone concentration is used, the dissolving cladding material blocks the pores of the warp and weft interweave of the woven fabric, thus affecting its air permeability. Besides, the bell-shaped side illumination behavior of etched POF-PET-Fs is found. The maximum luminance value of POF-PET-Fs reaches 74.8 cd/m2 when 80% acetone concentration in the acetone/methanol mixture is used. This work provides a feasible method for the preparation of POF fabrics for luminous purpose, which is beneficial to the textile industry and POF-related fields.