Wearable electronics for heating and sensing based on a multifunctional PET/silver nanowire/PDMS yarn

Abstract

Stretchable and flexible electronics built from multifunctional fibres are essential for devices in human–machine interactions, human motion monitoring and personal healthcare. However, the combination of stable heating and precision sensing in a single conducting yarn has yet to be achieved. Herein, a yarn comprising poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), silver nanowires (AgNWs), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was designed and prepared. The PET/AgNW/PDMS yarn exhibited high electrical conductivity at ≈3 Ω cm⁻¹ and a large tolerance to tensile strain up to 100% its own length. Only a negligible loss of electromechanical performance was observed after 1700 strain cycles. And an excellent response to applied strain was also achieved across a huge stretching range. The PET/AgNW/PDMS yarn displayed excellent heating performance and outstanding breathability when used in a heating fabric, and excellent sensitivity for monitoring both gross and fine movements in humans when used as a sensor.