Smart Metallized Textiles with Emissivity Tuning

Abstract

Smart textiles represent a groundbreaking innovation in integrating advanced sensing capabilities into surfaces previously deemed inaccessible and mark an advancement in the ongoing evolution of highly durable and flexible electronic textiles. The development of e-textiles with electrical circuits capable of withstanding diverse environmental stimuli, alongside repetitive bending and elongation cycles, has remained a critical challenge. In this study, we introduce a transformative approach to versatile sensory e-textiles utilizing a network of copper-coated Kevlar fibers. This approach leverages the synergistic coordination between a printable copper precursor and Kevlar fibers, resulting in robust, long-lasting conductive networks. These networks demonstrate unprecedented long-term cyclability, superior oxidation, and corrosion resistance and maintain stability even in harsh, oxidative environments. Furthermore, they exhibit remarkable washability, ensuring durability in real-world applications. Beyond their durability, these e-textiles perform multifunctional roles, including precise strain sensing and emissivity tuning, achieved through direct current modulation. The strain sensing performance is distinguished by its reliability under repeated 40 wt % stretching cycles. The innovation lies in the multilayered conductive structure, which guarantees continuous percolation, driving enhanced performance in both strain detection and emissivity control. This breakthrough offers a significant leap forward in the development of next-generation smart textiles with wide-ranging applications in wearable electronics, adaptive materials, and beyond.