Trindade I.G., Miguel R., Lucas J., Pereira M., Santos Silva M.
Universidade da Beira Interior, PT
Keywords: conjugated polymers, electrodes, smart textiles
In this article, electrically conducting coatings of poly(3, 4 – ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) were synthetized on textile substrates by the vapor phase polymerization (VPP) method, using water as solvent. The VPP method is considerably more sustainable than the traditional wet method, requiring very small amounts of monomer and non-organic solvents can be used. The polymerization process was optimized to maximize the electrical conductance of the coatings. The effect of the concentration of the oxidant solution in the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the samples was investigated and correlated to their morphology, analyzed by electron microscopy imaging. A strong decrease of the electrical resistance with the concentration of oxidant increase was obtained. A minimum sheet resistance value of 25 Ohm/sq was attained with the fabrics original mechanical tenacity unchanged, and could be further decrease to 5 Ohm/sq by the application of multiple polymerization steps, being a function of the conjugated polymer content. The samples were submited to several washing cycles and exhibit good washing resistance. The method is suitable to produce textile electrodes and interconnects for smart textile applications and microelectronic devices on paper and plastic substrates.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2014: Electronics, Manufacturing, Environment, Energy & Water
Published: June 15, 2014
Pages: 56 - 59
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topics: Nanoelectronics, Printed & Flexible Electronics
ISBN: 978-1-4822-5830-1