Developing High-Performance, Eco-Friendly E-Textiles using Carbon-Based and Bio-Coating Techniques

This study investigates the development of conductive cellulosic textiles using metal-free carbon-based coating inks. We tested two types of conductive fillers-graphene and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-along with three different binders (both synthetic and bio-based). Initially, a graphene and polyurethane binder formulation was applied to cellulose fabric using three coating methods: filtration, dip-coating, and airbrushing. The dip-coating method was identified as a much easier and more reliable approach for producing conductive samples. Thus, we adopted a dip and drying approach for producing conductive fabrics using bio-based binders, specifically ethyl cellulose and the OC-biobinder. The combination of the OC binder and MWCNTs demonstrated the best electrical conductivity and electrical heating performance, positioning it as a promising solution for sustainable wearable electronic textiles. This study highlights the potential of eco-friendly materials in advancing smart textiles, paving the way for high-performance, biodegradable e-textiles suitable for various applications.