University of Waterloo
200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON
N2L 3G1
Phone: (519) 888-4567
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Nupur Maheshwari
Electrically Conductive Textiles Enabled by Silver Nanowires
Irene Goldthorpe
There has been steep growth in wearable devices over the past 5 years and the ability to seamlessly integrate these devices into clothing is an exciting next step. So called e-textiles or smart textiles are of immense interest in other textile applications as well such as window blinds and tents. One crucial component of achieving e-textiles is the ability of a textile to be electrically conductive for signal and power transfer. Commercially available conductive fabric typically involves metal plating, but these can degrade with bending. Another issue with these plated coatings is that the deposition process is expensive and the process requires specialized, expensive equipment. Overall the weight of these textiles is also greater because of the high quantity of metal used. Recent alternative coatings such as polymers and carbon nanotubes have issues with low lifetimes and poor conductivity, respectively.
Through my research, these problems are addressed by coating fabrics with networks of solution-processed silver nanowires. These silver nanowire coatings are conductive and mechanically flexible. Sheet resistances as low as 0.5 ?/square were achieved. Several deposition techniques were explored including dip coating, brush coating, and transfer printing. Of these, transfer printing uses the least amount of silver and is therefore lowest in cost. Furthermore, compared to metal plating or the weaving of conductive thread, its deposition is simple and inexpensive. Overall, we demonstrate an industrially-compatible, printable coating that can impart conductivity to a wide range of fabrics.
University of Waterloo
200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON
N2L 3G1
Phone: (519) 888-4567
Staff and Faculty Directory
Contact the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land promised to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Indigenous Initiatives Office.