Laundering Reliability of Electrically Conductive Fabrics for E-Textile Applications

This paper presents studies on the launderability of 4 types of conductive fabrics made by weaving polyester and nylon yarns with metal coatings (Cu, Ag, Ni/Cu, Ni/Cu/Co). They are laminated with thermoplastic urethane (TPU) film under hot compression on the 3 common fabrics (Spandex, Nylon, Denim) with different elongation and flexibility. Electrical resistance as a function of laundry cycles is used to characterize the performance of the conductive materials. The laundry procedure is to follow AATCC M6 test standard by using the AATCC compliant laundry machine and dryer with the factor control such as detergent, water temperature, agitation speed and spin speed and so on. After intended wash and dry cycles, test samples are measured in electrical resistance with 4 point probe ohm meter to detect the resistance stability. The rise of resistance of conductive material over the wash/dry cycle can be compared among 4 metal coating on the 3 common fabrics. In general, the unstable resistance and electrical open can be reflected with the microstructure fracture observation under 3D optical microscope and SEM to provide further insight on the performance of these conductive materials withstanding laundering process. Furthermore, Non-destructive analysis of low angle XRD and XRF are also adopted to analyze the metal crystalline lattice structure and thickness change after laundering process for the understanding of degradation mechanisms. The elongation effect of base fabric of Spandex, Polyester and Nylon under certain washing shear force during agitation on the conductive fabric launderability can be concluded.