Electrically conducting smart textiles containing nanomaterials

Abstract

The idea of flexible electronics has been explored by the textile industry leading to the rise of smart textiles. Smart textiles refer to a wide field of study that broadens the functionality and usability of ordinary textiles. The convergence of smart textiles and electronics gives rise to "electronic textiles". According to the roadmap "E-textiles 2017-2027: Technologies, Markets, Players report", significant investment from large companies are underway, and the market may reach US$ 5 billions by 2027. This results in an impressive 30% annual cumulative growth. In this context, the preparation of electrically conducting textiles is key for the production of smart textiles. The present research proposal aims to add value to the main commercial textiles through the incorporation of conducting nanomaterials, leading to applications in smart textiles and "wearable electronics". Specifically, textiles and yarns/fibers, both natural and synthetic, will be functionalized with previously synthesized metallic nanowires (e.g. silver nanowires, AgNW) and single-walled carbon nanotubes by wet impregnation or dying. The goals of this phase include: scaling up synthesis of silver nanowires, develop methodologies to incorporate nanomaterials, determine the physical-chemical interaction with yarns/fibers, both natural and synthetic. To achieve these goals, several techniques will be employed, such as spectroscopy, microscopy, electrical and mechanical measurements. Resistance to washing will be used to assess durability and stability of the impregnated textiles. In parallel, we plan to explore applications of smart textiles as touch screen sensors, including the fabrication of a functional prototype, Tex-Tok, which will enable machine-garnment interaction. The project will include a detailed patent study to determine opportunities and applications in wearable electronics and internet of things. To the best of our knowledge, there are no other proposals with this scope or industrial activity being developed in Brazil. On the other hand, Brazil has a large textile industry which is being challenged by cheaper manufacturers in China, India and southeast Asia. The DYE-IO project is an initiative to add value to national textiles and develop new advanced applications using ordinary machinery and textile techniques. DYE-IO will place Brazil in the group of countries (including United States of America, Spain, South Korea, China and Taiwan) that aims to add intelligence to textiles for interactive wearable clothing. (AU)