MXene-Reinforced Liquid Metal/Polymer Fibers via Interface Engineering for Wearable Multifunctional Textiles

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Stretchable conductive fibers are crucial for wearable electronics but often lose conductivity when stretched.
• Liquid metal (LM) droplets offer a potential solution, but adhesion and electron transport between droplets remain challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop stretchable conductive fibers with enhanced adhesion and conductivity using MXene-modified magnetic liquid metal droplets.
• To investigate the potential of these fibers for multifunctional wearable electronic textiles.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of MXene-modified magnetic liquid metal (LM) droplets.
• Fabrication of MXene/magnetic LM/poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) composite fibers (MLMS fibers).
• Characterization of fiber properties, including conductivity, tensile strength, elongation, and performance in electronic textiles.

Main Results:

• MXene decoration improved LM droplet adhesion and created conductive pathways between droplets.
• MLMS fibers exhibited significantly enhanced tensile strength, elongation, and a 30-fold increase in conductivity compared to pure LM-filled fibers.
• Woven MLMS textiles demonstrated robust electromagnetic interference shielding, stable Joule heating, and excellent durability under strain.

Conclusions:

• MXene-modified magnetic LM droplets provide an effective strategy for creating highly conductive and stretchable fibers.
• MLMS fibers and textiles offer a promising platform for advanced wearable electronics with superior mechanical and functional properties.
• The developed materials possess advantageous properties like permeability, chemical resistance, temperature tolerance, and washability for practical wearable applications.