Electronic textiles (e‐textiles) are in prime position to revolutionize the field of wearable electronics owing to their ubiquitous use and universal acceptance. However, mechanical incompatibility between the rigid conductive components on the soft textile platforms creates fragile e‐textile systems with poor electromechanical attributes. In this work, a novel design strategy to inkjet print reactive silver inks onto woven textiles with Kirigami‐inspired patterning to create e‐textiles with enhanced electromechanical features is introduced. By controlling the print processing and curing conditions, uniform conductive coatings with sheet resistances of 0.09 Ω sq−1are achieved such that they do not interfere with the textiles innate flexibility, breathability, comfort, and fabric hand. The electromechanical coupling of the printed textiles shows a direct dependence on the anisotropic nature of the woven structures. Introducing Kirigami patterning creates robust devices that enhance and stabilize the electrical conductivity (Δ
Electronic textiles (e‐textiles) that combine the wearing comfort of textiles and the functionality of soft electronics are highly demanded in wearable applications. However, fabricating robust high‐performance stretchable e‐textiles with good abrasion resistance and high‐resolution aesthetic patterns for high‐throughput manufacturing and practical applications remains challenging. Herein, the authors report a new multifunctional e‐textile fabricated via screen printing of the water‐based silver fractal dendrites conductive ink. The as‐fabricated e‐textiles spray‐coated with the invisible waterproofing agent exhibit superior flexibility, water resistance, wearing comfort, air permeability, and abrasion resistance, achieving a low sheet resistance of 0.088 Ω sq−1, high stretchability of up to 154%, and excellent dynamic stability for over 1000 cyclic testing (ε = 100%). The printed e‐textiles can be explored as strain sensors and ultralow voltage‐driven Joule heaters driven for personalized thermal management. They finally demonstrate an integrated aesthetic smart clothing made of their multifunctional e‐textiles for human motion detection and body‐temperature management. The printed e‐textiles provide new opportunities for developing novel wearable electronics and smart clothing for future commercial applications.
more » « less- Award ID(s):
- 2024649
- PAR ID:
- 10366386
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Small
- Volume:
- 18
- Issue:
- 13
- ISSN:
- 1613-6810
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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