Healable\nCotton–Graphene Nanocomposite Conductor for Wearable Electronics

Abstract

Electrically\nconductive materials based on cotton have important implications for\nwearable electronics. We have developed flexible and conductive cotton\nfabrics (∼10 Ω/sq) by impregnation with graphene and\nthermoplastic polyurethane-based dispersions. Nanocomposite fabrics\ndisplay remarkable resilience against weight-pressed severe folding\nas well as laundry cycles. Folding induced microcracks can be healed\neasily by hot-pressing, restoring initial electrical conductivity.\nImpregnated cotton fabric conductors demonstrate better mechanical\nproperties compared to pure cotton and thermoplastic polyurethane\nmaintaining breathability. They also resist environmental aging such\nas solar irradiation and high humidity.