Electrical Conductive Textiles Obtained by Screen Printing
Research and development
Authors:
- Kazani Ilda
Department of Textiles, Faculty of Engineering, Ghent University, Zwijnaarde, Belgium - Hertleer Carla (j/w)
- De Mey Gilbert
Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium - Schwarz Anne
Department of Textiles, Faculty of Engineering, Ghent University, Zwijnaarde, Belgium - Guxho Genti
Department of Textile and Fashion, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania - Van Langenhove Lieva
Department of Textiles, Faculty of Engineering, Ghent University, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
Full text | Abstract: Due to the emergence of smart textiles and wearable textile systems, the need for electrically conductive textiles has become increasingly clear. Often this conductivity is achieved by integrating metal particles, fibres or yarns into textiles or by coating a textile with a metallic layer. In this research, the potential of another method is explored, namely screen printing a textile with conductive ink. This printing technique is an interesting alternative because it is flexible and cost effective. In this study the conductivity was investigated by measuring the square resistance at different stages (i.e. after printing, abrading and washing, respectively). The printed textiles studied herein exhibit good electrical properties after printing and abrading, respectively. However, after twenty washing cycles, the conductivity decreased considerably. Therefore, in order to improve washability, a protective polyurethane layer was put on top of the printed samples, which resulted in the good conductivity of the fabrics, even after washing. |
Tags:
electrically conductive textiles, square resistance, screen printing on textiles, conductive ink, thermoplastic polyurethane layer.
Citation:
Kazani, I.; Hertleer, C.; De Mey, G.; Schwarz, A.; Guxho, G.; Van Langenhove, L. Electrical Conductive Textiles Obtained by Screen Printing. FIBRES & TEXTILES in Eastern Europe 2012, 20, 1(90) 57-63.
Published in issue no 1 (90) / 2012, pages 57–63.