Encapsulation of Electrically Conductive Apparel Fabrics: Effects on Performance.

ABSTRACT: Electrically conductive fabrics are achieved by functionalizing with treatments such as graphene; however, these change conventional fabric properties and the treatments are typically not durable. Encapsulation may provide a solution for this, and the present work aims to address these challenges. Next-to-skin wool and cotton knit fabrics functionalized using graphene ink were encapsulated with three poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based products. Properties known to be critical in a next-to-skin application were investigated (fabric structure, moisture transfer, electrical conductivity, exposure to transient ambient conditions, wash, abrasion, and storage). Wool and cotton fabrics performed similarly. Electrical conductivity was conferred with the graphene treatment but decreased with encapsulatio

SUBMITTER: Wilson S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7436089 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature