Conductive Fabrics 101

Conductive Fabrics 101

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Conductive fabrics are transforming the way we think about textiles. Unlike traditional fabrics such as cotton, wool, and silk, conductive fabrics are integrated with technology, allowing them to conduct electricity while maintaining the flexibility and properties of regular textiles.

What Are Conductive Fabrics?

Conductive fabrics consist of textiles woven or treated with materials that conduct electricity. These fabrics are vital in modern applications that require both conductivity and flexibility, including wearable technology, electronic textiles (e-textiles), and electromagnetic shielding.

Types of Conductive Fabrics

As per the Conductive Fiber Manufacturers Co, conductive fibers fall into two primary categories:

1. Intrinsic Conductive Fibers: This group includes naturally conductive polymers with carbon fiber as a significant example.
2. Coated Substrates: These fabrics are either coated or embedded with conductive elements such as carbon, nickel, copper, gold, silver, or titanium.

Methods of Making Conductive Fabrics

• Metallic Coating: Metals with high electrical conductivity, such as silver, copper, or nickel, can be applied to fabrics using technologies like sputtering, electroplating, or chemical vapor deposition.
• Conductive Yarns: Yarns blended with conductive materials such as metal fibers create conductive fabrics through weaving or knitting.
• Intrinsically Conductive Polymers: Polymers like polyaniline and PEDOT can be integrated into fabrics to enable conductivity.
• Graphene: This super-material, consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms, provides outstanding conductivity and can be applied to create conductive coatings.

Applications for Conductive Fabrics

Conductive fabrics have diverse and growing applications:

• Wearable Technology: Integrated into smart clothing, fitness trackers, and health monitoring devices to transmit data and power.
• Electronic Textiles (E-Textiles): Creating fabrics with built-in electronic components like LEDs and microcontrollers.
• Electromagnetic Shielding: Essential for reducing interference in electronic devices.
• Heating Elements: Used in heated clothing and blankets requiring controlled heating.
• Touchscreens: These fabrics enhance touchscreen technology by conducting electrical signals from the touch.
• Antistatic Applications: Used where static control is crucial, such as in cleanrooms and laboratories.

Noteworthy is ARACON, a metal-clad fiber produced by Micro-Coax, offering significant benefits in strength and thermal stability while being lightweight. Conductive fabrics are particularly advantageous for manufacturers due to their versatility, flexibility, and low weight.

The Future of Conductive Fabrics

The potential for conductive fabrics is vast, from newer wearable tech to advanced medical applications. For instance, engineers are creating athletic wear and innovative neuroprosthetic devices utilizing feedback from different brain or spinal regions. According to IDTechEx, the advanced textiles market for wearable technology is projected to reach over $25 billion by 2025.

For additional information about conductive fabrics, visit the Conductive Fiber Manufacturers Council at http://cfibermfg.com. You can also reach out to your local manufacturer or Herculite Products for their Lectrolite brand of conductive fabrics. These fabrics offer an efficient solution for providing conductivity in confined spaces where metal wires are impractical.

Electrical Conductivity in Textiles | NASA Spinoff

Originating Technology/NASA Contribution

Copper, though widely used for its electrical conductivity, is heavy, costly, and prone to breaking under stress. Conductive fibers offer a superior alternative, especially in environments like aerospace where weight and durability are critical. NASA has engaged in developing conductive fibers for their numerous projects. Recognizing their potential, NASA collaborated with Syscom Technology, Inc., to develop AmberStrand, a strong, lightweight, and flexible hybrid metal-polymer yarn.

Syscom had its beginnings in basic materials research and polymer fibers but shifted its focus to developing electrically conductive fibers. NASA’s partnership, bolstered by contributions from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and the University of Dayton, led to advanced manufacturing capabilities for these fibers.

Today, AmberStrand is replacing traditional wiring in various NASA applications and is being considered for space antennas and EMI shielding. The material combines high performance with superior flexibility and lightweight properties, ideal for both aerospace needs and broader commercial applications.

Partnership and Development

The collaboration between Syscom and NASA originated through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract. This contract enabled Syscom to scale manufacturing capacities and explore new market opportunities, establishing credibility in the military, aerospace, and high-tech industries.

Product Outcome

AmberStrand is produced by coating high-performance polymer fibers with metal, yielding strands that are lightweight and strong. These fibers meet rigorous standards for strength, resistance, and safety, making them suitable for applications ranging from aerospace wiring to military gear.

Syscom is also exploring various terrestrial uses for AmberStrand, including heated clothing, sensor wiring for vehicles, and dynamic electronic textiles. The potential for incorporating current-conduction capabilities into everyday fabrics opens new horizons for smart clothing and multifunctional textiles.

The partnership between NASA and Syscom marks a significant step forward in the commercialization and accessibility of advanced conductive fibers, paving the way for an innovative future in both wearable electronics and industrial applications.

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