Encapsulation of Electrically Conductive Apparel Fabrics: Effects on Performance

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Textile Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Electrically conductive fabrics are desirable for wearable electronics.
• Graphene treatments enhance conductivity but often compromise fabric properties and durability.
• Encapsulation is explored as a method to protect functional treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of graphene functionalization and subsequent encapsulation on next-to-skin fabric properties.
• To evaluate the durability and performance of treated fabrics under various environmental and physical stresses.
• To determine the suitability of treated fabrics for integration into apparel.

Main Methods:

• Wool and cotton knit fabrics were functionalized with graphene ink.
• Fabrics were encapsulated using three different poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based products.
• Key properties including fabric structure, moisture transfer, and electrical conductivity were assessed.
• Durability was tested against wash, abrasion, storage, and transient ambient conditions.

Main Results:

• Graphene treatment imparted electrical conductivity, which decreased upon encapsulation.
• Electrical conductivity increased with wetting and high humidity/low temperature, but decreased with wash, abrasion, and storage.
• All encapsulants offered some protection against environmental and physical stresses, with slight variations.
• Moisture transfer properties were altered by both graphene and encapsulant treatments.

Conclusions:

• While encapsulation reduces initial electrical conductivity, it enhances the durability of graphene-treated fabrics.
• Treated wool and cotton fabrics exhibit altered properties but remain suitable for use as integrated patches in upper body apparel.