Conductive Organic Threads as Electrical Interconnects for Smart Clothing and Non-metallic Electrodes for Clinical Applications

Case ID:

2017-003

BACKGROUND

Organic conductive fibers are a combination of electric wires and textiles having characteristics of both used to transfer electric current. Conductive fibers consist of a non-conductive or less conductive substrate, which is then either coated or embedded with electrically conductive elements. Because it is thin and flexible, can take many shapes and connect to a variety of conductive materials and components. They are used to make wearable electronics such as smart clothing. This combines technology and textiles to fabricate clothing that is functional, stylish, and comfortable for specialized and everyday activities. Smart shirts and body suits are used to track biometric information such as temperature, pulse, muscle stretch, heart rhythm, and physical movement. This information is wirelessly sent to a device for analysis.

Generally, Electrically Conductive Fibers (ECFs) are made either from 1) basic conductive materials (metals/conductive polymers) or 2) by coating electrically conductive materials on less conductive substrates (e.g., cotton, polyester). Current organic ECFs have limitations such as low conductivity, high cost of fabrication, and undesirable mechanical properties. Despite the new idea of electronic thread and textile has emerged, the two main problems have prevented development and field implementation: undesirable mechanical properties and chemical instability. The textile material needs to be lightweight, flexible, as well as biocompatible in chemical and physical properties. It will allow simple, inexpensive processing, and functionalize organic fiber and post-fabrication states and these e-textiles also need to be knitted into a garment. There is a critical need to produce facile, economical, and scalable ECFs with a desirable conductivity profile.

SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY

Researchers at OSU have developed a novel class of organic ECFs, including electrically conductive fibers coated with polythiophene and a carbon material. These new ECFs have a significant change in properties, such as low electrical resistivity and increased mechanical properties, resulting in the fiber’s better ability to be woven or knitted being improved. In comparison to other nonmetallic conductive materials, these ECFs are also advantageous in terms of ease and low cost of fabrication.

Secondly, test data from this invention demonstrate that their reduction in Young’s modulus, an increase in ultimate strength, and an increase in elongation at break point, resulting in more flexible and less stiff material than their original counterparts. This novel ECF with excellent conductivity and mechanical properties that can be used in a variety of applications.

POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION