Robust and Durable Electrically Conducting Textile

成功的可穿戴智能服装缺乏的主要组成部分是缺乏可靠、低成本、穿着舒适和坚固耐用的导电纺织品（ECT），这些纺织品将允许多种功能的无缝集成。开发ECTs的一种方法是使用涂有导电聚合物或碳的纱线。这些材料的附着力和稳定性差，使它们无法在3万亿美元的纺织工业中发挥更大的作用。必须发展一种低成本的方法，以减轻上述障碍，并使ECTs进一步进入市场。研究人员发明的反应喷墨打印（RIJ）将用于1)在编织的聚对苯二甲酸乙二醇酯（PET）织物上自组装导电PEDOT聚合物，以及2)基于可持续材料（如纳米纤维素）的交联，创造一种更环保的非织造ECTs替代品。利用RIJ，将努力在纺织品表面化学结合导电材料。这项研究的结果将是耐用和多功能的ECTs，能够承受诸如折叠，拉伸，洗涤，干燥和熨烫等苛刻的任务，并为各种设备功能的有效集成提供平台。使用RIJ是有利的，因为它是环保的（由于它使用了几乎100%的起始化学品），需要低功率（低碳足迹），可以同时沉积和图案化学品。参与这项研究计划的hqp将获得独一无二的跨学科和经验培训，这将使他们具备一套独特的技能，以促进加拿大新产业的发展，2)快速适应技术的快速变化，3)使他们成为我们社会的高效成员。加拿大工业的广大部门也将大大受益于我们的发现，包括那些在林产品、医疗、化学、航空和汽车工业、建筑和家居装饰、家具和国防等领域工作的人。

A primary building block lacking for the success wearable intelligent garments is the absence of reliable, low-cost, comfortable to wear, and rugged electrically conducting textile (ECT) that would allow the seamless integration of multiple functionalities. One approach in the development of ECTs uses yarns coated with conducting polymers or carbons. The poor adhesion and stability of these materials prevent them from playing a larger role in the US$ 3 trillion textile industry. A low-cost method to alleviating the above barriers and allowing further market penetration of ECTs must be developed. Reactive inkjet printing (RIJ) invented by the researcher will be utilized to 1) self-assemble conducting PEDOT polymer on woven polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics, and 2) create a greener alternative to nonwoven ECTs based on cross-linking of sustainable materials such as nanocellulose. Using RIJ, efforts will be made to chemically bind the conducting materials on the textile surface. The outcome of this research will be durable and versatile ECTs that are capable of withstanding demanding tasks such as folding, stretching, washing, drying and ironing, and provides a platform for effective integration of various device functionalities. The use of RIJ is advantageous as it is environmentally friendly (due to its use of almost 100 percent of the starting chemicals), requires low power (low carbon footprint) and can deposit and pattern chemicals, simultaneously. HQPs involved in this research program will be rewarded with one-of-a kind interdisciplinary and experiential training that will equip them with a unique set of skills needed to 1) catalyze the growth of new industry in Canada, 2) adapt quickly to the rapid changes in technology, and 3) position them to be highly productive members of our society. The vast sector of the Canadian industry will also benefit greatly from our discoveries, including those working in forest products, medical, chemical, aviation and car industry, building and home decor, furniture, and defense, to name a few.