• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.146-155
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• 2022

We proposed a simple process of creating electroconductive textiles by using PEDOT:PSS(Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate))/non-oxidized graphene to coat polyamide or polyurethane knitted fabric for smart healthcare purposes. Electroconductive textiles were obtained through a coating process that used different amounts of PEDOT:PSS/non-oxidized graphene solutions on polyamide/polyurethane knitted fabric. Subsequently, the surface, electrical, chemical, weight change, and elongation properties were evaluated according to the ratio of PEDOT:PSS/non-oxidized graphene composite(1.3 wt%:1.0 wt%; 1.3 wt%:0.6 wt%; 1.3 wt%:0.3 wt%) and the number of applications(once, twice, or thrice). The specimens' surface morphology was observed by FE-SEM. Further, their chemical structures were characterized using FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The electrical properties measurement (sheet resistance) of the specimens, which was conducted by four-point contacts, shows the increase in conductivity with non-oxidized graphene and the number of applications in the composite system. Moreover, a test of the fabrics' mechanical properties shows that PEDOT:PSS/non-oxidized graphene-treated fabrics exhibited less elongation and better ability to recover their original length than untreated samples. Furthermore, the PEDOT:PSS/non-oxidized graphene polyamide/polyurethane knitted fabric was tested by performing tensile operations 1,000 times with a tensile strength of 20%; Consequently, sensors maintained a constant resistance without noticeable damage. This indicates that PEDOT:PSS/non-oxidized graphene strain sensors have sufficient durability and conductivity to be used as smart wearable devices.