Robust and Durable Electrically Conducting Textile

成功的可穿戴智能服装所缺乏的主要构建块是缺乏可靠的、低成本的、穿戴舒适的和坚固的导电织物（ECT），其将允许多个功能的无缝集成。开发ECT的一种方法是使用涂覆有导电聚合物或碳的纱线。这些材料的粘合性和稳定性差，使其无法在3万亿美元的纺织工业中发挥更大的作用。 必须开发一种低成本的方法，以减少上述障碍，并使幼儿保育技术能够进一步渗透市场。研究人员发明的反应性喷墨打印（RIJ）将用于1）在织造聚对苯二甲酸乙二醇酯（PET）织物上自组装导电PEDOT聚合物，2）基于纳米纤维素等可持续材料的交联，创造一种更环保的非织造ECT替代品。使用RIJ，将努力将导电材料化学结合在纺织品表面上。 这项研究的成果将是耐用和多功能的ECT，能够承受苛刻的任务，如折叠，拉伸，洗涤，干燥和熨烫，并提供了一个平台，有效地集成各种设备功能。使用RIJ是有利的，因为它是环境友好的（由于其使用几乎100%的起始化学品），需要低功率（低碳足迹），并且可以同时存款和图案化化学品。参与这项研究计划的HQP将获得独一无二的跨学科和体验式培训，这些培训将使他们具备一套独特的技能，以1）促进加拿大新产业的发展，2）快速适应技术的快速变化，3）将他们定位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，包括那些在森林产品，医疗，化工，航空和汽车工业，建筑和家居装饰，家具和国防，仅举几例。

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.