Flexible electrode on e-textile based on screen-printed silver ink carbon nanotube.

In this study, we examine the combination of flexible textiles and electrodes to develop electronic textiles (e-textiles). We present a facile fabrication process using printing and coating conductive electrodes. Innovative textiles, which have evolved primarily through the integration of textile and electronic elements, have developed into e-textiles capable of performing high-dimensional tasks. For practical use of e-textiles, however, they should be compatible with various textiles, economical production, and suitable for mass production. In this study, silver ink-carbon nanotubes are used to screen-print electrodes, a key element of e-textile. We verify four types of spandex textiles and analyze whether ink-based electrodes are stably printed on the textile surfaces. As a post-process, 3D printing mold coating is invited to invent durable and water-repellent electrodes. The fabricated e-textile proves its practicality using a washing test. Additionally, electrical measurements under mechanical bending reveal a variety of potential applications based on their properties. As a result, the electrodes of e-textile have an initial electrical resistance of approximately 10 Ω. Polymer coating enhances the reliability of e-textiles. Washing tests and repeated bending deformation demonstrate that they help the coating maintain its electrical conductivity. On the other hand, electrodes without coating lose their electrical capabilities. This study proposes functional materials and reliable manufacturing methods that are beneficial for e-textile production. Accordingly, we present the diversification and potential of the smart textile industry, such as IoT sportswear, medical healthcare clothing, hazardous work detection clothing, and space exploration clothing, which are examples of applications based on e-textile materials and manufacturing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]