Metallic Electroconductive Transmission Lines Obtained on Textile Substrates by Magnetron Sputtering

Abstract

The paper discusses the results of research concerning the formation of electroconductive transmission lines on textile substrates using the magnetron sputtering technique. The transmission lines developed can potentially be applied in clothing for emergency and security services to affect electrical connections between electronic elements incorporated in the garments. The time of metallic layer deposition and the type of substrate used was optimised in the study. The surface resistivity, resistance to bending and abrasion of the transmission lines obtained were tested. The tests demonstrated that it is possible to obtain electroconductive copper layers with a surface resistivity approximating 0.2 Ω by direct deposition on spun-bonded type polypropylene nonwoven.

Metallisation of Textiles and Protection of Conductive Layers: An Overview of Application Techniques

“…Among the above-mentioned variations, the magnetron sputtering is the most frequently employed process for the deposition of thin, durable layer of metals (Cu, Ti, Ag, Al, W, Ni, Sn, Pt), metal oxides (TiO 2 , Fe 2 O 3 , WO 3 , ZnO) or non-metallic compounds (Si, graphite, ceramic) on various types and forms of flat textiles [108], providing a sophisticated film thickness and user-defined patterns on a substrate [109] for diverse applications, i.e., electroconductive transmission lines for emergency and security services [110], flexible strain sensors for real-time monitoring of human motions [111], EMI shielding protective gear [112,113], etc. Moreover, the transfer from laboratory results to industrial applications is rather straightforward, since magnetron sources can be upscaled easily [114].…”

“…The basic mechanism of the magnetron sputtering process is presented in Figure 6a. Nowak et al [110] magnetron sputtered Cu electroconductive transmission lines on PP and PA nonwovens by varying the sputtering time and layer thickness, for potential applications in clothing for the emergency and security services (Figure 6c). The results have shown that it is possible to obtain a surface resistivity of approx.…”

“…In the work of Huang et al [113], the nano-Cu film was deposited on the surface of polyester fabric, and the structure and porosity dependent EM shielding capacitance, electrical conductivity and UV protection were presented. Chu et al [116] developed easily Nowak et al [110] magnetron sputtered Cu electroconductive transmission lines on PP and PA nonwovens by varying the sputtering time and layer thickness, for potential applications in clothing for the emergency and security services (Figure 6c). The results have shown that it is possible to obtain a surface resistivity of approx.…”

Assessment of Coating Quality Obtained on Flame-Retardant Fabrics by a Magnetron Sputtering Method

“…However, the process is characterized by high efficiency when using sputtering and good and very good physical and mechanical properties of coatings, while the technological process is considered ecological. That is why many scientists use selected PVD methods to modify the surface of textile materials [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

“…Additionally, it was found that the magnetron sputtering method gives new possibilities in the area of production of advanced textile materials. The MS method was used to obtain metal electrically conductive transmission lines on specific textile substrates [ 9 ]. Spun-bonded polypropylene nonwovens and polyamide needled nonwovens were selected for research.…”