Textile-based electrophoretic electronic paper displays with machine-washable, tailorable, and thermostatic functions for truly wearable displays

Abstract

Wearable displays with aesthetic design, durability, and washability are highly desired for communication and information gathering wherever and at any time. However, daily wear and washing might damage the characteristics of wearable displays with flexible plastic or extra elastomer substrate, and long-time repeated actuation could also lead to electric fatigue in the display. Here, we proposed a machine-washable, tailorable, and comfortable wearable textile-based electrophoretic electronic paper display (EPD) by encapsulating the electrophoretic ink microcapsules and hot pressing EPD into the daily textile. The gadget exhibited a contrast ratio of 13 and good stability after repeated harsh deformation (e.g., soaking, needling, tailoring, or machine washing). The optimal contrast ratio that benefited from the selected high-κ elastomer waterborne polyurethane (WPU) was achieved in human safety voltage. To demonstrate its potential application, the EPD prototypes of a patterned static display T-shirt and a lightweight dynamic display wristband watch were fabricated by screen printing and laser engraving. The as-fabricated textile-based EPDs with features, including simple fabrication with aesthetic design, excellent waterproofness, low energy consumption, and stretchability, provide important guidance for human and machine interaction for realizing truly wearable displays (i.e., wearing displays).