Carbon nanotube polymer coatings for textile yarns with good strain sensing capability

In this study, a commercially available Spandex multifilament yarn was coated with a thermoplastic polyurethane/carbon nanotube (TPU/CNT) conductive polymer composite (CPC), and conductive elastic yarns with good strain sensing ability were achieved with equivalent CNT concentrations as low as 0.015 wt.%. The resistance per meter coated yarn decreased with increasing CNT concentration in the CPC coating, while in the case of a homogeneous coating, the CPC concentration in the coating solution did not have a significant effect on the resistance per meter coated yarn. Upon cyclic loading, the strain sensing behaviour showed partial recovery of resistance in the first loading cycle, while good reversibility was observed a number of cycles, giving these materials good potential as sensors for smart textiles.

► In this study it is demonstrated that it is possible to functionalise commercially available multifilament yarns using a CNT containing polymer coating.
► Good strain sensitivity is achieved at an equivalent CNT concentrations as low as 0.015 wt.%.
► The effect of processing conditions on the final electrical conductivity and strain sensitivity properties is also studied.