Electro-conductive sensors and heating elements based on conductive polymer composites

• Published in: International journal of clothing science and technology Vol. 21; no. 2/3; pp. 82 - 92
• Main Authors: Koncar, V, Cochrane, C, Lewandowski, M, Boussu, F, Dufour, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bradford Emerald Group Publishing Limited 01.01.2009; Emerald
• Subjects: Carbon black; Conductivity; Heating; Humidity; Materials science; Polymers; R&D; Research & development; Sensors; Statistical analysis; Strain gauges; Studies; Textile industry; Textiles; Actuators; Electrical conductivity; Electrical heating elements; Intelligent sensors; Textiles
• ISSN: 0955-6222; 1758-5953
• DOI: 10.1108/09556220910933808

Purpose - The need for sensors and actuators is an important issue in the field of smart textiles and garments. Important developments in sensing and heating textile elements consist in using non-metallic yarns, for instance carbon containing fibres, directly in the textile fabric. Another solution is to use electro-conductive materials based on conductive polymer composites (CPCs) containing carbon or metallic particles. The purpose of this paper is to describe research based on the use of a carbon black polymer composite to design two electro-conductive elements: a strain sensor and a textile heating element.Design methodology approach - The composite is applied as a coating consisting of a solvent, a thermoplastic elastomer, and conductive carbon black nanoparticles. In both applications, the integration of the electrical wires for the voltage supply or signal recording is as discreet as possible.Findings - The CPC materials constitute a well-adapted solution for textile structures: they are very flexible, and thus do not modify the mechanical characteristics and general properties of the textile structure.Research limitations implications - In the case of the heating element, the use of metallic yarns as electrodes makes the final structure a more rigid. This can be improved by choosing other conducting yarns that are more flexible, or by developing knitted structures instead of woven fabrics.Practical implications - The CPC provide a low cost solution, and the elements are usually designed so as to work with a low voltage supply.Originality value - The CPC has been prepared with a solvent process which is especially adapted to flexible materials like textiles. This is original in comparison to the conventional melt-mixing process usually found in literature.