Recent advances of preparing structure-enhanced conductive yarns to control their performance in potential applications

Abstract

There has been a recent transition from conventional textiles to smart and electronic textiles, mostly due to the rise of wearable technology. Functional yarns have been created to fulfil the varied application needs in various environments. Conductive yarns have attracted considerable interest because of their exceptional softness, comfort, and diverse capabilities, such as electromagnetic shielding and soft sensors. This paper presents a comprehensive examination of spinning techniques utilized for the production of conductive yarns, incorporating a range of conductive additives, conductive fabrics, and conventional electrical elements. The text emphasizes that the performance of conductive yarns is significantly affected by their structure, which is dictated by the geometrical configurations of their elements, and the spinning geometry, commonly known as the twisted triangle. The performance of conductive yarns is primarily determined by the concentration of conductive components in their structure. Moreover, this paper examines the possible uses of conductive fabrics in several technical domains. The mentioned applications encompass antistatic packaging, heating elements, wearable electronics, smart membrane technology, data storage and transmission, sensors, actuators, and protection against electromagnetic interference and electrostatic discharge. Conductive textiles possess a versatile character that presents a wide range of opportunities for progress in multiple industries. To summarize, this review thoroughly examines the spinning methods used to create conductive yarns, with a particular focus on the significance of yarn structure in influencing their performance. Furthermore, it emphasizes the wide range of technological applications in which conductive textiles can be utilized.