Flexible and Stretchable Printable Conductive Inks for Wearable Textile Applications

Abstract

As wearable electronic devices become increasingly integrated into our daily routines, there is a growing demand for soft, flexible, and comfortable devices that can seamlessly deliver electronic functionalities. Electronic textiles (e-textiles) combine the electronic capabilities of devices such as sensors, actuators, energy storage, and communication tools with the comfort and flexibility inherent in traditional textiles. The rising interest in E-textile and sensor applications has thrust the field of printed electronics (PE) into the spotlight. Printed electronics is a rapidly expanding technology that allows the construction of electronic devices on affordable, flexible substrates, including paper and textiles. This is achieved through printing techniques, such as screen printing, 3D printing, gravure printing, offset printing, flexography, and inkjet printing, which are traditionally used in various industries like graphic arts, textiles, and polymers. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of printable conductive inks, with a focus on their role in designing textile-based wearable conductive devices for E-textile applications. Within this scope, it was examined the properties of conductive inks, presented the various printing methods used to fabricate wearable textile materials for potential use in wearable textile devices, and analyzed their performance characteristics. Lastly, it was addressed the key challenges faced in this field and identify future research directions. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the advancement of cost-effective functional conductive inks and formulations, promoting their integration into E-textile applications.