Electrically conductive fabrics would be a huge benefit to so-called ‘smart’ clothing, but technology to make them suitable for long-term wear with comfort doesn’t exist. Yet.
A Washington State University scientist is working to create a process that makes intrinsically conductive polymers ‘spinnable’ in manufacturing thanks to a new National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award.
The prestigious CAREER program offers support for “early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization,” according to the NSF website.
Hang Liu, an associate professor in WSU’s Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles, said the new polymer has a rigid molecular structure that won’t work in modern textile manufacturing. But the polymer is ideal for smart wearables because it conducts electricity, allowing clothing to interact with the wearer and a device like a smart phone. [Read more…]