Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2025
Vapor Phase Deposition of Electroactive Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) onto Electrospun Commodity Polymer Nanofibers
Published on: March 7, 2025
Stretchable Water-Repellent PEDOT:PSS-Impregnated Polyurethane Nanofiber Mats for Electromagnetic Interference
Navid Keshmiri1,2, Pradeep Sambyal1,2, Parisa Najmi1
1Nanomaterials and Polymer Nanocomposites Laboratory (NPL), School of Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada.
This study presents a robust, stretchable wearable textile using polyurethane (PU) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) for superior electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. The advanced material maintains performance under strain and is protected for outdoor use.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Textile Engineering
Background:
- Wearable textiles offer potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding in critical applications.
- Achieving desired mechanical and electrical properties in these textiles is hindered by weak substrate interactions.
- Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is a promising conductive polymer for such applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust, stretchable wearable textile with enhanced EMI shielding capabilities.
- To overcome the limitations of weak interfacial interactions in existing wearable conductive textiles.
- To create a durable textile suitable for practical, outdoor applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a wearable textile via vacuum-assisted impregnation of PEDOT:PSS onto an electrospun polyurethane (PU) nanofiber mat.
- Characterization of the interfacial network formed between PEDOT:PSS and the PU nanofibers.
- Evaluation of the textile's mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation, elastic recovery) and EMI shielding effectiveness.
- Testing of shielding performance under cyclic strain and assessment of protective coating durability.
Main Results:
- A convoluted interlock network at the PU-PEDOT:PSS interface was created, enhancing adhesion and conductivity.
- The textile exhibited exceptional mechanical properties: 51.2 MPa tensile strength, 207% elongation, and 86% elastic recovery.
- A normalized EMI shielding effectiveness of 365.2 dB mm⁻¹ was achieved at an ultrathin thickness of 100 µm.
- The textile maintained shielding performance after 100% strain cyclic tests and demonstrated durability with a fluorine-free coating.
Conclusions:
- The vacuum-assisted impregnation method successfully created a robust and stretchable PU-PEDOT:PSS textile with superior EMI shielding.
- The developed textile surpasses practical requirements for wearable applications, offering high performance and durability.
- The protective coating extends the textile's service life for demanding outdoor environments.
