Fabricating highly conductive silver circuits on polyamide 6 fabrics through synergistic effects of ascorbic acid and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose coating for wearable electronics

Abstract The integration of conductive elements such as silver (Ag) conductive circuits with textile substrates is crucial for the development of wearable electronics and smart textiles. However, achieving high conductivity and good adhesion of printed Ag layers on textile substrates remains challenging. This study presents a novel strategy that leverages the synergistic effects of ascorbic acid (AA) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) to fabricate highly conductive and uniform Ag layers on polyamide-6 (PA-6) fabrics. The results demonstrate that AA effectively reduced Ag ions to form Ag nanoparticles on the fibers, while HPMC modified the surface structure of PA-6 fibers to enhance ink adhesion. The synergistic interaction between AA and HPMC was pivotal in controlling the spreading and penetration of Ag ink, ensuring uniform deposition and significantly improving the conductivity of the printed layers. The optimized fabric exhibits low sheet resistance and high sensitivity in capacitive sensing applications. This approach not only provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for creating conductive textiles but also underscores the critical role of the AA-HPMC synergy in advancing the performance of wearable electronics and smart textiles.