Multivariate Correlation Analysis of the Electroconductive Textiles Obtained Using Functionalization by...

This paper presents a study concerning the preliminary treatments in radiofrequency (RF)oxygen (O₂) plasma used to obtain a hydrophilic effect on raw cotton fabrics followed by electroconductive thin film deposition to obtain electroconductive textile surfaces. In addition, this study presents a multivariate correlation analysis of experimental parameters. The treatment using RF plasma O₂ aimed to increase the hydrophilic character of the raw fabric and adherence of paste-based polymeric on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix and nickel (Ni), silver (Ag) or copper (Cu) microparticles. The purpose of the research was to develop electroconductive textiles for flexible electrodes, smart materials using a clean technology such as radiofrequency (RF) plasma O₂ to obtain a hydrophilic surface with zero wastewater and reduced chemicals and carbon footprint. To achieve the foreseen results, we used advanced functionalization technologies such as RF plasma O₂, followed by scraping a thin film of conductive paste-based Ni, Ag or Cu microparticles, and multivariate correlation methods to observe the dependence between parameters involved (dependent and independent variables). Overall, the fabrics treated in plasma with O₂ using a kHz or MHz generator and power 100-200 W present an excellent hydrophilic character obtained in 3 min. After RF O₂ plasma functionalization, a thin film based on polymeric matrix PVA and Ni microparticles have been deposited on the fabric surface to obtain electroconductive materials.