Conductive Stretchable Fibres for Imperceptible Electronics
Type of Proposal
Oral Presentation
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Proposal
Electronic textiles (e-textiles) are textiles that incorporate electrical components to impart electrical functionality, such as conductivity. Truly wearable e-textiles deliver the electrical functionality while maintaining the softness and stretchability of the textile. However, creating conductive textiles is a challenge due to the porous structures of textiles, which consist of an interconnected network of fibers and voids. Current literature coats textiles with conductive inks that can electrically functionalize textiles, however, wicking into the fabric’s voids stiffening the textile and diminishes the wearability. To fabricate truly wearable electronics, it is imperative to find methods that would functionalize the individual fibres, leaving the voids intact. In this project, we describe a low-cost, solution-based, electroless nickel-immersion gold (ENIG) process that can be applied to elastomeric fibres (e.g. Spandex, polyurethanes, latex), creating highly conductive and stretchable gold-coated fibres. These single fibres can then be woven into textiles, making stretchable, conductive e-textiles. We demonstrate the fibre’s applicability through different innovative designs. We fabricate wearable wiring and strain-sensors by weaving the stretchable conductive fibres through polyester or nylon. This research provides exciting grounds for design opportunities in the field of wearable electronics.
Start Date
23-3-2018 10:35 AM
End Date
23-3-2018 11:55 AM
Location
Alumni Auditorium A
Conductive Stretchable Fibres for Imperceptible Electronics
Alumni Auditorium A
Electronic textiles (e-textiles) are textiles that incorporate electrical components to impart electrical functionality, such as conductivity. Truly wearable e-textiles deliver the electrical functionality while maintaining the softness and stretchability of the textile. However, creating conductive textiles is a challenge due to the porous structures of textiles, which consist of an interconnected network of fibers and voids. Current literature coats textiles with conductive inks that can electrically functionalize textiles, however, wicking into the fabric’s voids stiffening the textile and diminishes the wearability. To fabricate truly wearable electronics, it is imperative to find methods that would functionalize the individual fibres, leaving the voids intact. In this project, we describe a low-cost, solution-based, electroless nickel-immersion gold (ENIG) process that can be applied to elastomeric fibres (e.g. Spandex, polyurethanes, latex), creating highly conductive and stretchable gold-coated fibres. These single fibres can then be woven into textiles, making stretchable, conductive e-textiles. We demonstrate the fibre’s applicability through different innovative designs. We fabricate wearable wiring and strain-sensors by weaving the stretchable conductive fibres through polyester or nylon. This research provides exciting grounds for design opportunities in the field of wearable electronics.