TEXTILES.ORG
New research from Washington State University (WSU) has demonstrated a 3D ink-printing method for smart fabrics that performs well after repeated washing and abrasion tests.
Hang Liu, a textile researcher at WSU and the corresponding author of the paper, says, “If you are wearing a T-shirt with 3D printed material, for example for sensing purposes, you want this shirt to fit snugly on your body and be flexible and soft. If it is stiff, it will not be comfortable and the sensing performance will be compromised.”
Liu’s team used direct ink writing 3D printing technology with solutions containing polybutylene succinate (PBS) and carbon nanotubes. PBS is a biodegradable polyester that is compatible with natural fibers. The printed fabrics showed excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, gauge factor and stability under repeated strain. The solution’s ability to bond with fibers gave the fabrics an enhanced washability and resistance to abrasion.
The fabrics continued to perform well after 20 cycles of washing and drying, and the surfaces did not scratch or crack after 200 cycles of abrasion testing or 500 cycles of tensile cyclic testing. The team also used a biodegradable, nontoxic solvent, Cyrene, for processing, which is more environmentally friendly than commonly used toxic solvents.
The research was published in the journal ACS Omega in April.