Manufacturing and Characterization of Customizable Flexible Carbon Nanotube Fabrics for Smart Wearable Applications

Abstract

The integration of carbon nanotube fabric into textiles is paving its way into smart materials and wearable applications. Potential novel applications of carbon nanotube hybrid (CNTH) materials and fabric composites span across a range of market levels from high-level PPE appropriate for military and industrial applications down to consumer products that can be used in everyday scenarios. The high-level performance properties of CNTH materials and their ability to be customized provide new possibilities for constructing fabrics with properties that are made to order. Furthermore, CNTH in combination with advanced textile compositing and construction methods allows the CNTH material to further leverage material customization aspects to meet specific requirements. The unique synthesis process for nanotube fabric allows for modification of the physical properties of the CNTH itself. The CNTH fabric combined with the customizability of standard textile composite materials and with the use of apparel design features allows for the design of materials with new combinations of physical properties. These unique properties offer high potential for developing families of smart wearable garments that can be scaled for industrial production. This article discusses the synthesis of carbon nanotube hybrid fabric, the process of hybrid fabric and textile integration, properties of the hybrid textile, and potential applications. The paper also provides an outlook towards large scale production of the hybrid textile material.

Electrochemically Activated CNT Sheet as a Cathode for Zn-CO2 Batteries

“…The CNT sock (web of nanotubes) forms in the high-temperature synthesis zone of the reactor and is collected at the outlet of the reactor onto a rotating drum. A detailed description of the synthesis process tuning, process analysis, and characterization techniques can be found in our previously published research articles [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ]. The as-synthesized CNT sheet materials are cleaned and expanded through an acid treatment and activation process.…”

Novel PTC Composites for Temperature Sensors (and Related Applications)

“…The integration of CNTs in textiles enables the development of wearable technologies and smart textiles, with customizable properties and functionality, through recent approaches to the synthesis of CNT-textile fiber hybrid materials. Such textile materials possess a number of important advantages over ordinary textile materials, such as low weight, integrated nonelectronic regulation of body temperature, selfcleaning without water, and appearance adapted to the requirements of clothing production [66]. Kubley et al [66] presented a way to synthesize a sheet of carbon nanotube hybrid (CNTH) and tested ways to integrate it into fabrics for various applications, as well as their potential applications in technical and smart textiles.…”

Optimizing mechanical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane composites for advanced athletic protective gear

“…Given their lightweight nature and mechanical reinforcement effects, CNT polymer composites show great promise to enhance athletic protection gear. The impact-absorbing foam padding currently used is bulky and degrades over time [16]. Replacing or supplementing this foam with MWCNT composite elements could allow lighter, slimmer, and more durable pads and helmets to be produced without sacrificing cushioning performance [17,18].…”

“…However, there are still challenges in optimizing the dispersion and alignment of CNTs to fully realize their mechanical reinforcement effects [21]. Common processing methods like melt mixing and extrusion can break up CNT aggregates but achieving uniform distribution remains difficult [16]. Functionalization and surface treatments are often used to improve compatibility and interfacial bonding between the nanotubes and polymer matrix [22].…”